All monkeypox vaccine appointments in the District filled in less than half an hour after they became available on Monday, June 27.
The DC Department of Health opened a total of 300 monkeypox vaccination appointments for eligible residents at PreventMonkeypox.dc.gov on the first day of the week, which were all scheduled shortly afterwards.
Residents are encouraged to check DC Health`s website and social media pages on Wednesday morning for updates on new appointment options.
Eligibility criteria for receiving the monkeypox vaccination include being a DC resident of at least 18 years of age, as well as being:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men 18 and older who have sex with men and have had multiple (more than one) sexual partners or any anonymous sexual partners in the last 14 days; or
- Transgender women or nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men; or
- Sex workers (of any sexual orientation/gender); or
- Staff (of any sexual orientation/gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs)
Individuals must provide their confirmation of appointment and proof of residency when they arrive for the vaccination. An ID card showing a DC address, a utility bill with their name and a DC address, or a current DC lease are accepted for proof of residency.
DC officials will offer monkeypox vaccinations for free at 7530 Georgia Ave NW from 1 pm and 8 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays based on availability for the time being.
“Monkeypox is a rare, but potentially serious viral illness that can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids or monkeypox lesions/rash,” according to DC Health. “Monkeypox can spread during intimate contact between people, including respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, during intimate physical contact like sex, kissing, or hugging, as well as touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox, such as bedding and towels.”