ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The Chemung County Health Department is offering a free vaccine clinic for adults to prevent Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox.

Chemung County Health Department Deputy Public Health Director Sarah Mattison explains Mpox, saying “MPox can cause very painful sores and lesions. They can start out looking kind of like a pimple, but then they develop into a sore that oozes a little bit. It can be accompanied with a fever, swollen lymph nodes and some other flu like symptoms. One of the very rare circumstances is it can cause debilitating disease, and perhaps even death, but most people recover within 21 days”

The symptoms of Mpox may be hard to spot if you don’t know you were in contact with it, and it can take up to 3 weeks before you show signs.

“MPox is a pox virus that spreads from person to person through bodily fluids and also through close contact. It was classified recently as a sexually transmitted infection through New York State Department of Health. It can be transmitted through sexual contact but also through intimate contacts such as bathing, feeding and changing linens of someone who has the MPox virus,” said Mattison.

The JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose series for preventing Mpox, will be offered to adults 18 and over on Thursday, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The vaccine has also been authorized by the FDA for people under the age of 18 who are at risk for Mpox.

“While Mpox cases are extremely low in New York State, cases continue to be diagnosed. There’s still a risk of resurgence. We’re taking proactive measures to encourage those at risk to get fully vaccinated by getting both doses.” said Dr. James McDonald, Health Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health.

All who are interested in getting the vaccine are required to pre-register on the Chemung County website. For more information about the JYNNEOS vaccine or to request assistance registering for the clinic, call 607-737-2488.