Raleigh, N.C. — A monkeypox vaccine clinic in Wake County accommodated 559 people Saturday, running out of all doses available for the event.
The Public Health clinic was supposed to run until 3 p.m., but the county said it was vaccinating those in line until past 4 p.m.
Some lined up hours before the first shot was administered.
Count Christopher Ellis among them.
“I know demand is high, particularly in wake county,” said Ellis. “It’s important to protect yourself and protect the people around you.”
Wake County Public Health set aside 550 vaccine doses for this clinic. Ellis wanted to be sure to get one
Concern around monkeypox is growing with the number of infections. There are 95 cases across our state.
Preventative health director Rebecca Kaufman said in Wake County “we are seeing spread, we are up to 11 cases.”
At the moment, the vaccines are going to those considered most at risk.
“Right now most of the cases are in men who have sex with men,” said Kaufman. “We know that can change quickly.”
If monkeypox continues to spread, more people may be considered for a vaccine.
For health workers still fighting COVID-19, monkeypox adds to the heavy workload.
At the same time, COVID has shown them how to take on a challenge like this one.
“We are going to use those lessons learned and apply them to the monkeypox vaccine,” said Kaufman.
Wake County officials told WRAL News they have more monkeypox vaccines doses on hand.
Starting Monday, people can sign up for an appointment to get one by calling 919-212-9398 or heading to the county’s website.
The monkeypox vaccine administered at Wake County’s vaccine clinic requires two doses.
People who got their first shot Saturday, must get another one in four weeks.