Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic Opening In Morris County: What To Know

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Morris County residents will now have easier access to the monkeypox vaccine, thanks to the opening of a new clinic in Dover, according to Gov. Phil Murphy and state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.

Murphy announced that New Jersey will open additional monkeypox vaccination sites in four additional counties, including Morris, for residents who do not have a confirmed exposure but believe they may have been exposed or are at high risk of being exposed to the virus.

These sites will provide additional vaccine access by administering a smaller vaccine dose intradermally to those aged 18 and up, as permitted by the US Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorization.

Vaccines will be available only by appointment at Zufall Health Center, located at 18 West Blackwell Street in Dover. To schedule an appointment, call (973)-891-3419. High-risk individuals and people exposed to the disease within the last 14 days are eligible.

No insurance is required, and vaccination is free. Anyone with questions about receiving the vaccine should contact their health care provider.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the Murphy Administration’s strong response to combatting monkeypox and our commitment to reaching people most in need of vaccines,” said Lieutenant Governor Oliver. “We thank our partners at the federal level for helping to get more vaccines to affected communities. With everyone working together, we can better tackle this outbreak and protect people from the monkeypox virus.”

This week, the state health department updated its monkeypox FAQ, adding children under the age of eight to the list of people who are more likely to become seriously ill or die from the disease. Individuals with compromised immune systems, a history of skin problems such as eczema, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also at increased risk.

"Infections caused by the strain that is currently spreading in the United States are rarely fatal. Over 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive. Children under age 8, people with weakened immune systems, a history of skin problems such as eczema, or who are pregnant 2 or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill or die. Even though it is rarely fatal, monkeypox can be very painful and the rash may cause permanent scars," the New Jersey Department of Health said.

As of Friday morning, no monkeypox deaths had been reported in New Jersey. Cases from the global outbreak, which was discovered in May, have rarely been fatal. However, monkeypox can be extremely painful, and the rash can leave permanent scars, according to the state health department.

Anyone can contract monkeypox from close contact with someone infected with the virus. The Department and community partners are continuing to reach out to residents who are disproportionately affected by the outbreak.

Persons with a condition that may increase their risk of severe disease if infected with the monkeypox virus, such as a condition that weakens the immune system or a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema, should be vaccinated as soon as possible if they are at high risk of exposure as listed above.

Morris County has seen 6 monkeypox cases as of Friday morning, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The state's case count grew by more than 100 in the last week to 293.