Austin Public Health (APH) is organizing a pop-up mpox clinic following the World Health Organization's recent declaration of an ongoing outbreak in Africa as a public health emergency of international concern.
“While we monitor the current mpox outbreak, it’s important to take actions now to protect our community,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “We’re fortunate to have a vaccine we know works against this virus. Those who are at risk should get the vaccine to get the protection they need.”
The clinic will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Montopolis Recreation Center (1200 Montopolis Dr., Austin, TX 78741). Free Jynneos vaccines will be available for adults without the need for appointments, insurance, or proof of citizenship.
Information on current vaccine eligibility can be found on APH’s website. Individuals who have received both doses of the Jynneos vaccine remain protected and do not require additional doses.
As of this month, Travis County has reported a total of 322 confirmed and probable cases. APH has administered over 13,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.
The Jynneos vaccine is also available at several other locations; a list of local providers can be found here.
Additional protective measures include:
- Being fully clothed and avoiding skin-to-skin contact with strangers.
- Limiting close or intimate contact to people you know, including sharing items like drinks and blankets.
- Wearing well-fitting masks in close quarters when social distancing isn’t possible to reduce direct exchange of mouth/nasal fluids.
- Washing/sanitizing hands and cleaning surfaces regularly.
- Staying home if feeling sick or experiencing any symptoms.