Preregistration Survey Now in Place for Monkeypox Vaccines, but in Limited Supply

Monkeypox continues to be an infection of growing concern in Montgomery County and around the nation. Montgomery County has a limited supply of monkeypox vaccine and has established a preregistration survey to identify residents who are interested in receiving a vaccination and are at risk for having been exposed to Monkeypox in the previous four to 14 days.

The pre-registration survey is now online.

Appointments to receive vaccines at Montgomery County-operated clinics are based on eligibility and vaccine supply is not guaranteed.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox can infect animals, such as monkeys and rodents, as well as humans. The monkeypox virus belongs to the same group of viruses that cause smallpox and is not related to chicken pox.

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.

Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.

Information about symptoms of Monkeypox and how to prevent are on the County website at Monkeypox (montgomerycountymd.gov/MPX).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Respiratory symptoms (such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough).
• A rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus, but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.
• The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
• The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

The CDC further advises that a person infected with Monkeypox may experience all or only a few symptoms:

• Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
• Most people with monkeypox will get a rash.
• Some people have developed a rash before (or without) other symptoms.

The first of a series of virtual townhalls about Monkeypox will be held on Monday, Aug. 22. More details will be available soon. The first town hall is intended for the LGBTQ community and is being held in partnership with County Council Vice President Evan Glass.