Monkeypox Testing, Vaccine, and Monitoring of Healthcare Workers After Exposure Updates – PA Dept of Health – 8/22/22

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
2022 – PAHAN-657 -08-22- UPD
DATE: August 22, 2022
TO: Health Alert Network
FROM: Denise A. Johnson, M.D., FACOG, FACHE, Acting Secretary of Health
SUBJECT: Monkeypox Testing, Vaccine, and Monitoring of Healthcare Workers
after Exposure Updates
DISTRIBUTION: Statewide

This transmission is a “Health Update”: provides updated information regarding an incident or situation;
unlikely to require immediate action.
HOSPITALS: PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL MEDICAL, PEDIATRIC, NURSING AND LABORATORY STAFF IN YOUR
HOSPITAL; EMS COUNCILS: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS APPROPRIATE; FQHCs: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS APPROPRIATE
LOCAL HEALTH JURISDICTIONS: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS APPROPRIATE; PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: PLEASE
DISTRIBUTE TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP; LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES: PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL MEDICAL, INFECTION
CONTROL, AND NURSING STAFF IN YOUR FACILITY
SUMMARY
• Providers should consider testing any patient who presents with a rash or lesions that are
consistent with monkeypox.
• Several commercial laboratories offer Monkeypox testing, and healthcare providers should
primarily use these laboratories for monkeypox testing. To ensure timely access to testing,
providers do not have to call the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) or their local
health department prior to sending specimens to commercial labs.
• Testing will also continue to be available through the PADOH Bureau of Laboratories (BOL)
with approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or a local health department.
• On August 9, 2022, the FDA has issued an EUA that allows for an intradermal or
subcutaneous vaccination with JYNNEOS for people 18 years old and older and allows for
subcutaneous vaccination with JYNNEOS for patients under 18 years old.
• JYNNEOS is available in Pennsylvania to those who have been exposed to monkeypox and
those who may be more likely to get monkeypox. Call 1-877-PA-HEATH or your local health
department to discuss vaccine and find a local vaccine provider.
• CDC has issued guidance on assessing the risk of health care workers after they have cared
for an identified monkeypox case and recommendations for post exposure prophylaxis.
• If you have any questions, please call PA DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or
your local health department.
Monkeypox Testing, Vaccine, and Monitoring of Healthcare Workers After
Exposure Updates

Background:
Since early May 2022, the CDC has been tracking increasing cases of Monkeypox across the
United States. As of August 19, 2022 there have been over 14,100 confirmed or probable cases
of monkeypox in 49 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This includes 371
cases in the Pennsylvania.
This HAN reviews recent updates on monkeypox testing, guidance regarding vaccination with
JYNNEOS vaccine for those who have been exposed or who are more likely to get exposed to
monkeypox, and the information regarding monitoring for the community and healthcare workers
who have been exposed to monkeypox.
Monkeypox Clinical Identification and Testing:
As is outlined in PA HAN 643, PA HAN 647, and PA HAN 649 providers should consider testing
any patient who presents with a rash or lesions that are consistent with monkeypox and/or
presents with a rash or lesions and has an epidemiologic risk factor for monkeypox.
Epidemiologic risk factors (within 21 days of illness onset) include:
• Reports having contact with a person or people with a similar appearing rash or who
received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable monkeypox OR
• Had close or intimate in-person contact with individuals in a social network experiencing
monkeypox activity; this includes men who have sex with men (MSM) who meet partners
through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or
party) OR
• Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or
where Monkeypox virus is endemic OR
• Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic
species or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions,
powders, etc.).
Multiple commercial labs can test for monkeypox. The labs include but are not limited to Quest,
Labcorp, Aegis Sciences, Mayo Clinic, and Sonic Healthcare. The ability of commercial labs to
test for monkeypox is a key pillar in the comprehensive strategy to combat the spread of
monkeypox virus. Adding commercial labs increased testing capacity and makes it more
convenient for providers and patients to access tests by using existing provider-to-lab
relationships. To ensure timely access to testing, providers do not have to call the Pennsylvania
Department of Health (PADOH) or their local health department prior to sending specimens to
commercial labs.
Testing will also continue to be available through the PADOH Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) with
approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or a local health department. Providers do
have to call and discuss their case with their local or state health department prior to using the
PA DOH lab. Providers might consider using BOL in situations where patients have or are risk of
severe disease, are under/uninsured, or have confidentiality concerns.

Specimen collection:
Healthcare workers should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when collecting
monkeypox specimens. This includes:
o Gown
o Gloves
o Eye protection (i.e., goggles or a face shield that covers the front and sides of the face)
o NIOSH-approved particulate respirator equipped with N95 filters or higher
Specimen collection guidance is available from the CDC but providers should consult with their
laboratory to determine the appropriate materials and methods for collecting monkeypox
specimens as laboratory directions are laboratory specific.
Public Health Reporting:
Consultations are available from PA DOH, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, at 717-
787-3350 or the local health department, should clinicians have specific questions about the
evaluation and treatment of monkeypox cases or if clinicians want to obtain testing through BOL.
Clinicians do not need to notify PA DOH of suspected or confirmed cases as results from
diagnostic labs are sent to PA-NEDSS, Pennsylvania’s reportable disease database.
Special Note Regarding STD and HIV Co-infections:
Co-infections with monkeypox and sexually transmitted infections (STI), and some cases coinfections with acute HIV have been widely reported; therefore, it is strongly recommended that
in addition to monkeypox testing, individuals should be offered a STD/HIV clinical evaluation to
include STD/HIV testing (including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV). It may also be a
good opportunity to discuss HIV PrEP strategies with the client.
Monkeypox Treatment
The PA DOH released PA HAN 653 on July 28, 2022 which addresses recent updates in
Monkeypox treatment with Tecovirimat (TPOXX).
Monkeypox Case Contacts
Anyone with an exposure to people with monkeypox should monitor their health or be monitored
for signs or symptoms consistent with monkeypox for 21 days after their last exposure.
Monitoring should include assessing the person for signs and symptoms of monkeypox,
including a thorough skin and mouth (oral) exam in good lighting.
During the 21-day monitoring period:
• If a rash occurs, an individual should follow isolation and prevention practices until (1) the
rash can be evaluated by a healthcare provider, (2) testing is performed, if recommended
by their healthcare provider, and (3) results of testing are available and are negative.
If other signs or symptoms are present (e.g., fever), but there is no rash:

• An individual should follow isolation and prevention practices for 5 days after the
development of any new sign or symptom, even if this 5-day period extends beyond the
original 21-day monitoring period. If 5 days have passed without the development of any
new sign or symptom and a thorough skin and oral examination reveals no new skin
changes such as rashes or lesions, isolation and prevention practices for monkeypox can
be stopped.
• If a new sign or symptom develops at any point during the 21-day monitoring period
(including during a 5-day isolation if applicable), then a new 5-day period should begin
where the individual follows isolation and prevention practices.
• Isolation and prevention practices can be ended prior to 5 days if a healthcare provider or
public health authority believes the rash, signs, or symptoms are not due to monkeypox
and there is a clear alternative diagnosis made that doesn’t require isolation. Individuals
exposed to monkeypox virus can continue their routine daily activities (e.g., go to work or
school) as long as they do not have signs or symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
Healthcare Worker Guidance
Guidance is available for CDC on infection prevention and control in the health care setting. Any
healthcare personnel caring for a monkeypox patient should self-monitor and look for symptoms
consistent with monkeypox infection. Monitoring should continue for 21 days from the last date of
care.
Healthcare personnel who have unprotected exposures (i.e., not wearing PPE and a known
breach) to patients with monkeypox do not need to be excluded from work; however they should
undergo active surveillance for symptoms, which includes temperature measurement at least
twice daily for 21 days following the exposure. Prior to reporting for work, exposed healthcare
personnel should be surveyed for symptoms including fever and rash. Healthcare facilities
should monitor staff via their organization’s employee health.
Monkeypox Vaccine
On June 28, 2022, the federal government announced a strategy to vaccinate and protect
people at risk for monkeypox and prioritize vaccines for areas with the highest numbers of
cases. There are two smallpox vaccines licensed by the FDA to prevent monkeypox: JYNNEOS
and ACAM2000. ACAM2000 carries a greater risk of serious side effects and cannot be given to
some people including those who have weakened immune systems, skin conditions or who are
pregnant or lactating. Because of this, the CDC is encouraging the use of the JYNNEOS
vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against monkeypox.
The JYNNEOS vaccine:
o Contains a live Vaccinia virus that does not replicate efficiently in human cells
o Jynneos is licensed as a series of two doses administered 28 days (4 weeks) apart.
▪ The standard regimen for Jynneos involves a subcutaneous route of
administration with an injection volume of 0.5mL. The standard regimen is the
FDA-approved dosing regimen for individuals over the age of 18. Since August
9, 2022, the standard regimen has been authorized for people under the age of
18

▪ In the context of the current national Public Health Emergency, and to stretch
the limited resources, an alternative regimen may be used for people age ≥18
years under an Emergency Use Authorization beginning August 9, 2022. The
authorized alternative regimen involves an intradermal (ID) route of
administration with an injection volume of 0.1mL. CDC has noted that
intradermal is the preferred route of administration at this time, noting that some
individuals should not receive the vaccine intradermally, such as those who
have a history of developing keloid scars.
▪ The second dose of Jynneos vaccine should be given 28 days after the first
dose; however, based on available clinical study data and ACIP general best
practices, the second dose may be administered up to four days before the
minimum interval of 28 days and up to seven days later than the minimum
interval or as soon as possible. When necessary, a person aged 18 years or
older who received one Jynneos vaccine dose with the standard subcutaneous
regimen may receive a second dose with the alternative intradermal regimen at
the recommended interval (i.e., 28 days) to complete the vaccination series. For
example, a person who received only one dose of the standard regimen before
the date of initial Emergency Use Authorization for the alternative regimen
(August 9, 2022), may receive one dose with the alternative regimen to
complete the series. Also, a person whose 18th birthday occurs between their
first and second dose may complete the series with the alternative regimen
▪ More information for providers is available and should be referenced in the
CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of JYNNEOS and ACAM2000
Vaccines during the 2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak | Monkeypox | Poxvirus |
CDC for more information regarding vaccine considerations and many related
resources
o Common side effects include: injection site reactions, fatigue, headache, and muscle
pain. Vaccine providers should report all adverse events following JYNNEOS.
vaccination to Vaccine Adverse Event Recording System (VAERS).
o It is safe to administer to people with HIV and with skin conditions.
o For post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) JYNNEOS should be given within 4 days of
exposure for the best chance to prevent the onset of disease.
▪ JYNNEOS can be given between 4 and 14 days after exposure as PEP to
reduce the symptoms of disease but may not prevent the disease.
▪ JYNNEOS given after the onset of symptoms of monkeypox is not
recommended.
Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Expanded Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP++):
o The CDC is recommending vaccination with JYNNEOS for the following groups:
▪ Monkeypox Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• People who have had a known, confirmed exposure to monkeypox
▪ Monkeypox Expanded Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP++)
• People with certain risk factors and experiences that might make them
more likely to have been recently exposed to monkeypox.
[Note: The Pennsylvania Department of Health (Department) has developed screening criteria for
administration of PEP++. If providers have patients who they believe are eligible under these criteria
Page 6 of 6 – Update # 657
(but are not a current vaccination site), they are encouraged to call (or have their patients call) 877-PAHEALTH for evaluation and referral to a site for PEP++ administration]
Special Note Regarding STD and HIV Co-infections:
Co-infections with monkeypox and sexually transmitted infections (STI), and in some cases coinfection with acute HIV, have been widely reported; therefore, when someone presents as
meeting eligibility criteria for vaccination, it is strongly recommended they be offered a STD/HIV
clinical evaluation to include STD/HIV testing (including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and
HIV). It may also be a good opportunity to discuss HIV PrEP strategies with the client. It should
be noted however that clients are not required to agree to an examination, or STD or HIV testing
in order to receive a vaccination.
Resources
PADOH Monkeypox
CDC Monkeypox
If you have any questions, please call PA DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your
local health department.
Categories of Health Alert messages:
Health Alert: conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
Health Advisory: provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
Health Update: provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
This information is current as of August 22, 2022 but may be modified in the future.