Cleveland Clinic Opens Phone Line for Community Monkeypox Vaccinations

Cleveland Clinic has opened up a phone line for individuals to be assessed for monkeypox vaccination, regardless of whether they are a Cleveland Clinic patient. Individuals can call 216-444-2538 and say they are interested in monkeypox vaccination. The infectious disease clinic will contact them to arrange an appointment at Cleveland Clinic main campus with an ID provider who will evaluate and administer the vaccine if appropriate. Current Cleveland Clinic patients interested in monkeypox vaccination should discuss it with their primary care physician.

Monkeypox is a viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, body aches and chills, and a rash that can be painful. The CDC currently recommends vaccination for individuals 18 years and older who are at high risk for a monkeypox infection. In August, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global public health emergency with cases being reported in many different countries, including in the United States. More than 250 cases have been confirmed in Ohio. It is most commonly transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual.