Monkeypox Vaccines in WNC

Monkeypox is transmitted person-to-person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions.

Such contact often occurs during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Vaccines are available in limited supply, at no cost, for individuals with known or suspected exposure to monkeypox.

Vaccine eligibility in North Carolina

•   People who have been in close physical contact with someone diagnosed with MPXV in the last 14 days
•   Men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who report any of the following in the last 90 days:
•   Having multiple or anonymous sex partners
•   Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection
•   Receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

MPXV is not a sexually transmitted infection but can spread during sexual contact and through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

•   Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids
•   Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
•   Contact with respiratory secretions.

Symptoms may include rash, and/or flu like symptoms. If you suspect you may have MPXV see a medical provider, wear a mask, and request a test.

If you have an unexplained rash, sores, or other symptoms, see your health care provider. If you don’t have a provider or health insurance, contact your local health department. Keep the rash covered and avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out by a health care provider. Avoid in-person gatherings. Standard household cleaners and detergents are effective at cleaning environmental surfaces and linens.

Local Healthcare Providers

Buncombe County Immunization Clinic
40 Cox Avenue in Asheville
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
No residency requirement, no appointment necessary.

Haywood Health and Human Services, (828) 452-6675

Henderson County Dept. of Public Health, (828) 694-6015

WNC Community Health Services, (828) 285-0622