Getting MPV vaccine at Esperanza
You are eligible for an MPV vaccine at Esperanza if you have not previously been infected with MPV AND:
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have had close physical contact with someone diagnosed with MPV (regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation)
- OR -
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are either a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or a transgender person who has sex with men
To make an appointment, please call (773) 584-6200 or text "MPV" to (773) 207-3133 to talk with someone who can schedule your vaccine visit. You can also schedule a visit by using our online scheduling page which is currently accepting appointments at our clinic at 2001 S. California Avenue only. When prompted, select "GENERAL PRACTICE" from the menu to see available appointments. Please note that vaccines are free and available to you regardless of your income, insurance or immigration status. You do not need to be a patient of Esperanza.
Getting tested for MPV at Esperanza
If you are experiencing symptoms of MPV such as rash or lesions, you can call Esperanza at (773) 584-6200 to get tested. Please note that you must be having symptoms in order to get tested, since the test will consist of swabbing lesions. You do not need to be a patient of Esperanza to seek testing.
Receiving treatment for MPV
People with severe symptoms may be eligible for treatment. An Esperanza provider will determine if you are eligible to receive treatment and where to refer you.
What is MPV?
MPV is a virus that causes a rare disease known as monkeypox. Although the virus was first found in monkeys, MPV can be found in humans and in other animals as well. MPV has been causing illness among people for more than 50 years, primarily in countries of west and central Africa.
What symptoms does MPV cause?
If you have MPV, you may experience symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and, very commonly, a rash that may look like blisters or pimples. These are usually found on the face, inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals and/or anus. They typically last between 2-4 weeks and are considered very infectious.
When do symptoms of MPV appear?
Symptoms generally appear one to two weeks after infection, but the range can be anywhere from 5 to 21 days. You may first experience symptoms like fever, intense headache, back pain and swelling of the lymph nodes, with rash appearing 1- 3 days after the appearance of fever. Symptoms may last from 2 to 4 weeks
How does MPV spread?
- MPV spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact during activities like sex, kissing, hugging, and cuddling.
- MPV can also spread if you touch items that have been in contact with rash or lesions of a person with MPV. These can include clothing, towels, bed sheets, eating/drinking utensils as well as personal items like toothbrushes and razors
- Very prolonged and intimate exposure (several hours) to respiratory droplets from a person with MPV may lead to infection if the person has lesions or rashes inside the mouth.
- A fetus can become infected with MPV through the placenta.
How can I protect myself from MPV?
In addition to avoiding skin-to-skin contact with a person with MPV or sharing/touching items that may have come into contact with the virus, (such as towels, sheets and clothing), wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if you believe you may have come into direct contact with the virus. If you are caring for a person with MPV and are required to be in close contact with them, consider using a mask; the person with MPV should also be encouraged to wear one if they have any lesions inside their mouth and if they are around other people. A person with MPV can also minimize the spread of the virus if they cover their lesions around others.
Can I be tested for MPV at Esperanza?
Yes. If you believe you may have contracted MPV and have active lesions, like blisters or pimples, please call Esperanza at 773-584-6200 to schedule a testing appointment. Results return within 2-3 days, so expect a call from your medical provider then. While you wait for results, isolate at home, and keep your lesions covered to avoid the virus from spreading on surfaces and to other people.
What do I do if I'm sick with monkeypox?
Isolate at home and, if you live with other people, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets, if possible. Consider using a mask if you must be in close proximity to other people and have any lesions inside your mouth. Covering your lesions may also help to keep the virus off of items or surfaces that may be touched by others.
Can I be vaccinated against MPV at Esperanza?
Yes. Esperanza is offering the JYNNEOS vaccine which can help protect people 18 years and older against MPV. JYNNEOS requires two doses, with the 2nd dose administered approximately 28 days after the first.
You are eligible for the MPV vaccine if you live anywhere in Chicago or Illinois and have not previously been infected with MPV AND meet the criteria below:
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have had close contact (e.g. household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) with someone diagnosed with MPV regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation OR
-
are gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men and/or transgender person who is sexually active.
At this time, the MPV vaccine is not recommended for the general public. As vaccine supply increases, guidance may evolve.
