MU hosts free mpox vaccine clinic

On Jan. 25, MU hosted a free mpox vaccine clinic in the MU Wellness Resource Center, sponsored by the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health & Human Services.

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is an orthopoxvirus that can cause fever, headache, chills, a painful rash and in rare occasions, death. In 2022, the virus reportedly spread to several countries, including the US, where it is considered not endemic.

Mpox is transmitted via close and direct physical contact. Though mpox is not considered a sexually-transmitted disease, it commonly spreads through sexual contact.

“It’s named monkeypox because it was most commonly seen in other primates and monkeys in Africa,” Sarah Schwartz, a nurse at Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health & Human Services said. “But we’ve had some spillover into humans. This was the first time, though, that it’s really spread outside of Africa on a large scale.”

While the vaccine is free nationwide, recipients must be considered high-risk based on criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention due to a limited supply. 

Vaccine recipients are required to sign a document declaring they fall under the category of high-risk or have reasonable concern.

“We’re required by the state and the CDC to make sure that we are targeting the population that is most at risk to use our vaccine wisely,” Schwartz said. “If you’re worried about coming to get vaccinated because you don’t want to talk about your sexual behavior, we don’t ask questions. That’s not a concern of ours — you just need to sign the paper.” 

A full vaccination requires two doses, spaced four to five weeks apart. As of Jan. 25, the County Clinic has administered over 400 individual doses.

“One of the main things is that the vaccines are free. We don’t require any insurance or ID,” Trina Teacutter, a nursing supervisor at the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health & Human Services said. “We’re trying to make it as easy and accessible as possible.” 

Another clinic, available to anyone eligible for the vaccine, will be hosted on Feb. 22 in the MU Wellness Resource Center, located in the basement of the Student Center. Click here to view the eligibility criteria.

Edited by Annie Goldman | agoldman@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Grace Knight and Sterling Sewell