Monkeypox Resources in NYC
In the last few weeks, New York City declared monkeypox a national emergency, followed by the federal government. This post is a resource for members of our indie theater community. Below we provide links to learn more about monkeypox, how to get a vaccine in New York, NY-based organizations with monkeypox resources, and additional tips and resources.
What is monkeypox?
It’s a rare viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness but can result in hospitalization or death. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. Most people infected with monkeypox will get a rash.
Learning more about the monkeypox
The CDC has a helpful website with information broken out by topic. In addition, the NYC Health Website has a lot of information about monkeypox that is specific for those living in New York.
Being aware of symptoms
“People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of monkeypox can include: fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, headache, and respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough). You may experience all or only a few symptoms.”
If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
From the NYC Health Website:
“If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should see a health care provider for testing. If you do not have a provider, call 311 or search the NYC Health Map. You should only get tested for monkeypox if you are experiencing symptoms.
Health Map link: https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/NYCHealthMap
Testing involves a provider taking a swab of a sore. Only your provider — not the Health Department — can give you the test result. While you are waiting for your test result, which can take a few days, isolate from others.”
Vaccination Appointments
From the NYC Health Website:
Link for Monkeypox Vaccination Appointments
“Vaccine supply remains low. NYC is receiving a limited number of doses from the federal government, and we are making them available to New Yorkers as quickly as possible.
To get text alerts about vaccination appointments and other monkeypox updates for NYC, text “MONKEYPOX” to 692-692 or, for Spanish, text "MONKEYPOXESP".
In addition to the link above, the New York Times published an article about how to get a vaccine.
Other news/health resources:
For those that listen to podcasts, these three episodes had helpful information:
Make Me Smart – August 9 - Monkeypox and the era of overlapping health crises
NPR Morning Edition – August 5 - Monkeypox: The myths, misconceptions — and facts — about how you catch it
Today Explained – August 4 - Monkeypox is a queer emergency
Columbia and NYU have shared information and resources that may be helpful:
Columbia Health - Monkeypox Information and Resources
NYU – Monkeypox Information
Organizations in NY supporting community
Several NYC-based organizations are sharing resources and information about monkeypox:
- Apicha Community Health Center - https://info.apicha.org/en/monkeypox
- Callen-Lorde - https://callen-lorde.org/monkeypox
- Hetrick-Martin Institute - https://hmi.org/monkeypox
- Pride Center of Staten Island - https://www.pridecentersi.org/monkeypox-info-page
Support Networks
God’s Love We Deliver - Meal Delivery Service provides a meal delivery service.
IndieSpace is trying to compile a list of support networks that provide services and support to those who have monkeypox.
Please send us a note at communications@indiespace.org if you know of any services or organizations providing support!
Additional Tips and Resources
Below are some important resources and tips that may be helpful for you.
POZ - Safer sex in the time of monkeypox
POZ published an article, Six Ways We Can Have Safer Sex in the Time of Monkeypox, which compiled ways to be safer. Read the entire article for details. Below is an overview of the topics covered.
1. Avoid going to places with lots of sexual activity
2. Use sex “pods”
3. Open and honest communication with potential sex partners
4. Use condoms
5. More clothing
6. Take care of yourself and others
NPR - How to talk about monkeypox effectively, without stigmatizing gay men
One of the challenges of monkeypox from a public health and communications perspective is that this disease is currently primarily affecting men who have sex with men. It is critical that information is shared with this community and that vaccines and testing are catered toward the individuals most at risk.
However, this disease doesn’t ONLY affect men who have sex with men. And there is a risk of stigmatizing this group. Additionally, there is concern that individuals who have not had sex with men and have monkeypox symptoms may ignore them because they think it only affects that community.
In this interview, Ari Shapiro talks with Gregg Gonsalves of the Yale School of Public health about the public messaging challenges around monkeypox.