Mpox vaccine now available at UK Retail Pharmacies
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2024) — Four University of Kentucky Retail Pharmacies are now able to administer the mpox (formerly monkeypox) vaccine to improve access to those at risk across Central and Eastern Kentucky.
Cases of mpox may be far from people’s minds as the numbers are significantly lower than two years ago. However, the United States reports an average of 50-60 cases a week, with cases still diagnosed here in Kentucky.
Mpox causes an often-painful rash, fevers, chills, and requires significant time in isolation after infection. Fortunately, severe complications, including death, are very rare. Currently there is not a readily available treatment for mpox, so the best option for communities at risk is vaccination.
The vaccine (trade name Jynneos) is safe, effective and given in two doses over a 28-day period. Common side effects can include itching and a small lump at the injection site, which goes away with time.
The Jynneos vaccine is part of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)’s adult vaccine recommendations, and is covered by almost all major insurers (some might have a copayment). UK employee and student health plans cover the vaccine with zero copayment. For those who are uninsured, a limited number of doses are available through grant funding secured by the University via the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
The following UK Retail Pharmacies offer the mpox vaccine:
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UK The Apothecary (ground floor, Gatton Student Center, 160 Avenue of Champions)
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Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.
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Kentucky Clinic Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, Kentucky Clinic, 740 S. Limestone)
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Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.
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Turfland Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, UK HealthCare-Turfland, 2195 Harrodsburg Road)
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Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Appointments recommended; walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.
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Fountain Court Retail Pharmacy (1st floor, UK HealthCare-Fountain Court, 245 Fountain Court)
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Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed 1-1:30 p.m.) Walk-ins accepted.
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Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. by appointment only. Walk-ins accepted when staffing allows.
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UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.