Most of Durham’s monkeypox cases are in Black men. Most getting the vaccine are white.
Durham County health officials are concerned that Black men, who have experienced the brunt of North Carolina’s monkeypox outbreak, are largely not coming in for the vaccine.
Six weeks after its first case, Durham County has 19 monkeypox cases, Public Health Director Rodney Jenkins said Monday night.
All of the cases have been in men, and 79% identified as Black or African-American.
“However, coming into our agency to get the vaccine are not African-Americans or Blacks,” Jenkins told the Durham County Board of Commissioners.
“And I am just really perplexed,” he said. “It’s a free vaccine. It’s available.”
Durham is one of nine North Carolina counties getting direct shipments of the Jynneos vaccine from the federal government. The vaccine is free and can prevent monkeypox, a virus that causes painful rashes and flu-like symptoms and has so far been predominantly observed among men who have sex with men.
Durham’s percentage of monkeypox cases among Black residents is slightly higher than the 68% recorded statewide, according to the latest figures from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
The News & Observer previously reported how state officials are working to change the racial disparity in vaccinations, which also was observed early during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barriers include a lack of trusted and inclusive health care providers, lack of insurance, and shame and stigma, according to Rebby Kern, director of education policy at Equality NC, a group that advocates for LGBTQ rights.
Jenkins said the agency’s outreach has so far consisted of an “impactful” town hall earlier this month to answer questions and get the word out, as well as a vaccine drive with the LGBTQ Center of Durham, which is putting on Pride: Durham, NC on Sept. 24.
Vice-Chair Wendy Jacobs at Monday’s meeting suggested the annual Pride celebration would be a good opportunity to vaccinate and conduct outreach.
“They are our partners,” Jenkins said. “We are prepared to have our tent and be able to participate.”
The N&O has reached out to the organization.
How do Durham and NC monkeypox statistics compare?
The United States has reported the most cases in the current global outbreak, primarily among young men.
The statewide case count stood at 261 Tuesday.
Like Durham, all of the state’s cases have been in men, according to a demographic breakdown updated every Thursday.
Durham County Medical Director Jeffrey Jenks said at a Board of Health meeting earlier this month that North Carolina’s racial disparity was “much higher” than national trends.
Early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed Black and African-Americans accounted for 26% of all monkeypox cases in May through July, though that percentage is increasing.
Jenks noted that although the monkeypox virus has primarily infected men who have sex with men, anyone can get the disease.
“The prevailing theory is it’s taken hold, and because these sexual networks are relatively small and closed off, it is just causing lots of problems,” Jenks said. “There’s no reason to think it’s going to just stay in those sexual networks.”
Who can get the Jynneos vaccine?
The health department is not the only provider offering the Jynneos vaccine in Durham. Duke Clinic (sometimes called Duke South) also offers it and instructs existing patients to contact their primary or specialty care providers.
Anyone who has had close contact in the past two weeks with someone diagnosed with monkeypox can get the vaccine, which is given in two doses.
It’s also available to gay or bisexual men and transgender people who in the past 90 days have:
- Had multiple sexual partners or anonymous sex;
- Received PrEP, the medication that prevents HIV infection; or
- Been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection.
Investigative reporter Carli Brosseau contributed to this report.
This story was originally published August 23, 2022 at 2:46 PM.
