The state will open more than a dozen locations across Connecticut as cases of monkeypox slowly rise.
HARTFORD, Conn. – The state will open 13 smallpox vaccination clinics on Monday. The Center for Disease Control reports 33 cases in the state as of Sunday with more than 5,000 nationwide. Connecticut’s first case was reported on July 5.
Site openings are listed below. You need to make an appointment.
Anchor Health Initiative: 2200 Whitney Ave, Ste 290, Hamden, CT 06518 Circle Care Center: 618 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 Community Health and Wellness Center: 469 Migeon Ave, Torrington Ct 06790 Community Health Center of Clinton: 114 East Main Street , Clinton, CT 06413 Community Health Center of Danbury: 8 Delay Street, Danbury, CT 06810 Community Health Center of Enfield: 5 N Main Street, Enfield, CT 06082 Community Health Center of Middletown: 675 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457 Community Health Center of New London: 5 Shaw’s Cove, New London, CT 06320 Community Health Center of Stamford: 141 Franklin St, Stamford, CT 06901 Fair Haven Community Health Care: 374 Grand Avenue, New Haven CT 06513 Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective: 1841 Broad Street , Hartford, CT 06114 Intercommunity, Inc: 16 Coventry St, Hartford, CT, 06112 Staywell Health Center: 80 Phoenix Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06702
Clinics are expected to open in Bridgeport, Willimantic and Norwich.
RELATED: Lamont, health leaders say state ready to distribute monkeypox vaccine starting Monday
To be eligible for vaccination, someone must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Connecticut. Vaccination is recommended for anyone who has been exposed or has been in close contact and does not have symptoms. People with symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
Men who have had sex with other men and have had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks are eligible. That’s because the state says the most recent cases are in men who identify as LGBTQ+.
The disease is spread by direct contact with the infectious rash, scab or body fluid. It can also happen by touching the items of the rash or the liquid of the infected person touched. It can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy. Monkey pox can also be spread through respiratory secretions “during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sex,” the state says.
Health Commissioner Dr Manisha Juthani said on Thursday that over a thousand doses have been allocated this month with more to come. 800 will come out on Monday. He said the supply of vaccines increases as demand increases.
“Our goal is to try to get as many people who may be at high risk of this disease covered by this vaccine as soon as possible,” he said. “We will build that capacity as we see fit.”
There have been no deaths reported in the United States from smallpox, but there have been deaths abroad. The World Health Organization says complications can include vision loss, inflammation of the lungs and brain, and other life-threatening conditions such as sepsis.
The CDC says scientists are still investigating whether it can be transmitted when someone has no symptoms and what other means it could be transmitted through urine, for example. The illness can last up to four weeks.
New York has the largest number of cases with more than 1,300 statewide as of Sunday. The New York City Department of Health declared it a public health emergency.
RELATED: New York Health Commissioner Pushes WHO to Rename Monkey Pox to Avoid Stigmatizing LGBTQIA+ Community
Gov. Ned Lamont said they have the testing capability and it’s similar to the COVID-19 pandemic of track and trace.
“Be careful, and unlike 2 1/2 years ago, we have the tools to keep you and those you’ve been in close contact with safe,” he said. “If you have been in close personal contact and have been notified regarding our contact tracing, please come and get a vaccine.”
Connecticut residents tell FOX61 they would get vaccinated if they were more concerned about the disease.
“If I felt there were more cases in the area, I might get vaccinated for that. But personally, I don’t really think it’s something I’m concerned about,” said Katelyn Tryon of Waterford. “I would encourage people to possibly get vaccinated if they think it’s a threat, and if not, don’t get vaccinated.”
Christina Hansen says she is aware of the disease and the growing concern about it.
“I’m not currently thinking about getting a vaccine because, as far as I know, it’s not something I’m concerned about right now,” the Monroe resident said. “I would say if you’re concerned, go get vaccinated.”
For testing or to report suspected cases of smallpox, call CT DPH Epidemiology at 860-509-7994, or 860-509-8000 after hours. For more information on monkeypox in Connecticut, click here.
Tony Black is a multimedia reporter for FOX61 News. He can be reached at tblack@fox61.com. follow him Facebook, Twitter i Instagram.
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