Monkeypox Vaccine Available At Virtua Pride Primary Care
Thursday, October 06, 2022
(MARLTON, N.J..…To best meet the care needs of its community, Virtua Health’s Pride Primary Care practice – dedicated to the health needs of LGBTQ+ people and allies – now offers the monkeypox vaccine. The vaccine can prevent the illness in those deemed at high risk for exposure to the virus. And it can lessen symptoms in those with a confirmed diagnosis – especially when given quickly after the appearance of symptoms, ideally within four days. The vaccine is provided at no cost to recipients.
“Virtua Pride Primary Care is a place where people can receive compassionate, quality health screenings and services in a judgment-free environment,” said Dr. Sam Weiner, chief medical officer for Virtua Medical Group. “Offering the monkeypox vaccine is a new way we can demonstrate that commitment to personalized, inclusive care.”
Anyone can contract monkeypox, regardless of age, race/ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, some people are statistically at a higher risk. In an August interview, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said that 98 percent of U.S. monkeypox cases are occurring in men, and that the majority of those men reported recent sexual contact with other men.
Virtua’s Dr. Weiner encourages anyone who thinks they may benefit from the monkeypox vaccine to review the CDC’s eligibility criteria. Those eligible for the vaccine are not required to be patients of the practice or Virtua. Appointments are required, as the practice cannot accommodate walk-in vaccine requests at this time.
Anyone interested in learning more or becoming a Virtua Pride Primary Care patient located in Marlton, N.J., is invited to call 856-355-7144 or register online at virtua.org/pride.
According to the State of New Jersey, there have been 661 probable and confirmed monkeypox cases in the state – and 41 hospitalizations – as of Sept. 20, 2022. Although Hudson and Essex counties in northern New Jersey have seen the most monkeypox cases, Camden County accounts for 5 percent of the state’s total.
Virtua Pride Primary Care opened in June 2022 and has quickly developed a patient base, speaking to the need for dedicated LGBTQ+ health services in the region. The practice’s physicians – Dr. Shanin Gross and Dr. Richard Levine – and several members of the practice staff identify as LGBTQ+.
“We will ask you about your pronouns. We will listen to your questions,” Dr. Weiner said. “Our goal is to build relationships that help people live their healthiest, happiest lives.”
About Virtua Health:
Virtua Health is an academic health system committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 30 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 300 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program. Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is academically affiliated with Rowan University, leading research, innovation, and immersive education at the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. Virtua is also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, most notably the “Eat Well” food access initiative, which includes the unparalleled Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many awards for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit Virtua.org. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.
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