As Monkeypox has now reached the Hawaiian Islands, Gay Island Guide is partnering with the Hawaii State Department of Health and other community organizations to help provide communication support and other resources to Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ community, as monkeypox has been disproportionately affecting this community this time around nationwide.
Please understand that this page is being provided solely for informational and educational purposes and may not be all inclusive. YOU should always do your best on proper research and seek certified care from a medical doctor or healthcare professional.
On this page, Gay Island Guide will do our best to provide the latest news and information on Monkeypox from around Hawaii, including but not limited to: News, information about Monkeypox, vaccination clinics and opportunities and links to other resources when possible.
Gay Island Guide presents a special Tea Time Instagram LIVE with Hawaii Department of Health Officials. Tune In and Join the Conversation, Ask Questions and Get Information.
Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Time: 7pm
Where: @gayislandguide Instagram LIVE
Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the orthopox virus that is beginning to spread globally. In August 2022, President Joe Biden declared a national emergency as the disease has now spread throughout the country and is affecting many states and cities, Hawaii being one of them.
As of August 8, 2022 there are 12 known cases of individuals who have tested positive for the virus in Hawaii. All of these individuals have not been hospitalized and have all recovered on their own. Rash and sores are a common symptom of the Monkeypox disease and can be painful. The rash and sores affiliated with monkeypox can last two to four weeks.
• Monkeypox can spread when someone comes into close or intimate contact with someone who is infected with the virus or with materials (I.e. soiled bed linen) that has been contaminated with the virus.
• Common symptoms include: flu-like symptoms; swelling of lymph nodes; rash or sores, commonly on hands, feet, chest, face and genitals.
• Avoid skin to skin and prolonged close contact (touching sores, kissing, sex) with individuals who may have an unusual rash or monkeypox symptoms.
JYNNEOS or the Monkeypox vaccine is now available around the entire State of Hawaii and the Department of Health continues to get more allocated from the Federal Government. JYNNEOS has been approved by the FDA for safe and effective prevention of monkeypox in adults.
Though getting vaccinated helps you to significantly reduce the chances of getting the virus, it is important to remember that no vaccine is 100% and you should always take other steps in helping you to prevent catching it. Getting vaccinated also helps to reduce the severity of symptoms, should you catch the virus. You should always take steps to help reduce your exposure even after getting a dose of JYNNEOS.
Like in most states, Hawaii is limited on the amount of vaccine doses it has received. However, the Department of Health continues to receive more doses and continually updates the eligibility requirements to help get those who are at higher-risk be vaccinated as soon as possible.
Please Visit Our Vaccination Section to get eligibility requirements, directory of vaccination sites and appointment information.
If you are exposed to monkeypox you should contact your healthcare provider immediately as there are options to prevent infection after high risk close contact such as vaccination.
Infection begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes. Infection progresses to a rash or sores, often on the hands, feet, chest, face, or genitals. Individuals generally become ill within 21 days of exposure.
Infections generally last two to four weeks. Individuals are infectious until all lesions are scabbed over and new skin has grown.
While monkeypox infection is generally not lethal, people can experience severe outcomes. While most people diagnosed with monkeypox experience mild to moderate illness, the rash and sores can be itchy and painful. Treatment for monkeypox is available but must be coordinated through DOH and a physician.
Transmission can occur through direct, prolonged contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with monkeypox. Monkeypox can also be spread through large respiratory droplets. These droplets are spread when people breathe, cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required.
Monkeypox can spread through close, prolonged contact with an infected person or animal. Monkeypox can spread during intimate contact between people, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, cuddling, or touching parts of the body with monkeypox sores. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.
To be diagnosed with monkeypox in Hawaii, you must be diagnosed through laboratory testing. The Hawaii Department of Health Laboratories Division is a part of the Center for Disease Control Laboratory Response System and can test for Orthopoxvirus. However, a confirmation test must be performed by the CDC.
The risk of contracting Monkeypox in Hawaii remains LOW at this time. However, this current outbreak is new and the Department of Health and other officials are closely monitoring the situation. You should do your best to take preventive measures in protecting your health.
Treatments for Monkeypox in Hawaii are available and must be coordinated through your healthcare professiona and the Department of Health.
Though Monkeypox is generally not lethal, some outcomes for certain individuals can be severe.
Nationwide, the current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone with monkeypox is at higher risk of infection, regardless of a person’s gender, sexual orientation, or travel history.
Individuals at increased risk for monkeypox should avoid anonymous sexual contact or events where individuals may have close bodily contact with others.
If individuals have symptoms consistent with monkeypox or have an unusual rash or sores, avoid close contact with others. Contact your healthcare provider and let them know ahead of an appointment that you may have been exposed to monkeypox.
Practice proper hand hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds prevents the spread of infection, including monkeypox infection.
Please check out the Hawaii Department of Health Website for more information and resources.
For more information about Monkeypox, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.
A variety of videos on Monkeypox from reputable sources.
Under the current criteria established by the Hawaii Departmen of Health, individuals who are at least 18 years of age and meet one of the below criteria are eligible to receive a dose of JYNNEOS:
• Individuals who have had exposure to individual(s) with confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox virus within the last 14 days, or
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender individuals with high risk intimate contact in venues (sex-on-premises events, bathhouses, sex clubs) or areas where monkeypox is known to be spreading in the last 14 days
Please visit our directory of providers, clinics and events who are offering the Monkeypox vaccination in Hawaii.
Eligible individuals may schedule an appointment to get the Monkeypox vaccine by calling the hotline or booking online. Currently, you may NOT book directly with the provider or clinics.
The Monkeypox Vaccination Hotline is open Monday to Friday 7:45am to 4:30pm. A Voicemail is available, The hotline number is (808) 586-4462.
You may also book online.
The Hawaii Department of Health will host a special Vaccination event to reach a larger section of Oahu’s community.
Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Time: 9am to 1pm
Where: Neal Blaisdell Center
The Hawaii Department of Health will host a special Vaccination event to reach a larger section of Oahu’s community.
Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Time: 9am to 1pm
Where: Neal Blaisdell Center
Gay Island Guide in partnership with the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center will make Monkeypox vaccinations available during the Splash-Inn Pool Party in Kapolei.
Date: Sunday, August 21, 2022
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Where: Residence Inn by Marriott Kapolei
Age: 21+
There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about Monkeypox.
Check out this great video from August 11, 2022 for the Hawaii Health And Harm Reduction Center “Safety Over Stigma“ Forum with Department of Health and Gay Island Guide.
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