North Carolina expands eligibility for monkeypox vaccine as cases rise

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has amended the criteria for who is eligible to receive a monkeypox vaccination. After looking at case data and examining current trends, officials believe the changes will protect more people in higher risk categories.

According to a news release, most cases in North Carolina occur with gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. The latest eligibility criteria remove requirements that might have prevented residents in those categories from getting vaccinated. A full list of eligibility requirements is available on the NCDHHS website.

As of Thursday morning, 99% of reported cases in the state have been in men, and 68% have occurred with Black residents.

Officials say they’re working to remedy disparities in monkeypox cases and vaccination.

Cone Health has teamed up with the Triad Health Project for a vaccination clinic that will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Higher Ground Day Center in Greensboro.