Addressing the monkeypox public health emergency requires equitable access to a vaccine, which remains in a major shortage, and requires increased testing and educating the public about prevention practices. Efforts are needed, says David E. Koren, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, AAHIVP and FIDSA. , Clinical Pharmacist for Infectious Diseases, Temple University Hospital.

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What factors should be considered to improve the response to the monkeypox public health emergency?

The main shortfall that we’re seeing right now is the amount of vaccines being deployed across the United States, and we’re seeing varying degrees of vaccines. roll out It depends on the patient’s region. As such, this may differ between major urban areas and more rural areas of the country.

That being said, we know vaccines are in short supply and many want them. We are also working with very limited data. So everyone needs to come together and talk about what they can do for 1. 2, increase the test. 3. Prevent as many severe cases as possible through the spread of vaccines.

Are there any other steps you would like to see regarding our response to monkeypox?

The next major steps that need to be seen in the response are increased education and a significant increase in vaccine delivery. We know there is a vaccine shortage, but this is a very real problem and unfortunately not one that can be fixed anytime soon. But what we can do is get the public as aware as possible. What can be done to reduce the risk of contracting this infection, and what can be done to prevent it from spreading from person to person?