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Ithaca College Students,

If you are interested in receiving a monkeypox vaccination, you can do so on campus beginning Monday, October 31. The vaccine will be administered at the Health Center, by appointment only. Students must call 607-274-3177 to schedule an appointment.

The vaccine is free of charge. However, there is a cost to administer the vaccine that students can expect to be billed to their health insurance provider. This cost will be listed as an “immunization administration” on your health insurance account, but will not specify the type of immunization you received. Most health insurance plans cover this administration cost, but students are encouraged to contact their health insurance provider to confirm coverage.

There are no restrictions as to who can receive the monkeypox vaccine. Individuals who are at higher risk for contracting the virus are strongly encouraged to explore this option.

Learn More About the Monkeypox Vaccine
The Health Center will be administering the JYNNEOS vaccine, which has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of monkeypox and smallpox, as well as other diseases caused by orthopoxviruses. The vaccine is administered in a two-dose series, typically staged over a 28-to-35-day period. JYNNEOS is the primary vaccine being used in the United States during the current monkeypox outbreak.

Individuals receiving the vaccine cannot contract the virus from the vaccine. Although the JYNNEOS vaccine does use live virus, the virus is critically weakened and unable to copy in human cells.

If you get the monkeypox vaccination, it is important that you receive both doses. Although you will begin building protection following your first dose, you are not considered to have a maximum level of protection until 14 days following the completion of your two-dose series.

If you have recently received or are planning to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, it is recommended that individuals allow at least 30 days of separation between COVID-19 and monkeypox vaccines. Common side effects of the JYNNEOS vaccine include discoloration, swelling, soreness, firmness, and/or itching near the injection site. Other side effects can include muscle pain, headaches, nausea, chills, and/or fatigue.

For more information on the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine, please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

We look forward to offering this convenient, on-campus option for students. If you have questions, please contact Ithaca College Student Health Services at ICHealth@cayugamed.org.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Prunty
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life

Jennifer Metzgar, MSN, FNP-C
Medical Director, Ithaca College Student Health Services

Luca Maurer
Executive Director for Student Equity and Belonging
Director of LGBTQ Education, Outreach and Services