What You Need to Know - Week of November 14th

2. Monkeypox Update

Since the more recent outbreak of monkeypox in June 2022, the virus has continued to spread throughout the world. There are 28,442 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States, with 538 in the state of Arizona. In recent months, two monkeypox vaccines have become more accessible to the general public. The vaccines, JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, can be used to prevent the infection and spread of monkeypox. JYNNEOS is a two series vaccine developed to protect against both monkeypox and smallpox, a genetically similar disease. ACAM2000 is a smallpox vaccine that also provides protection against monkeypox. ACAM2000 is not recommended for pregnant women, infants less than 12 months old, and those with certain medical conditions such as a weakened immune system, certain heart and skin conditions etc.

One of the best ways to prevent the disease before it happens is through vaccination. Currently, the monkeypox vaccine is available in Maricopa and Pima County, and is slowly being rolled out to other counties. If you are unable to get vaccinated, taking preventative measures by avoiding skin to skin contact, avoiding objects that an individual with monkeypox has used, and washing your hands frequently, can prevent against monkeypox infection. 

3. Injectable Treatment for HIV Pre-Exposure Prevention

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can reduce your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. As of 2020, more than 25% of individuals who are at risk of HIV are taking PrEP. PrEP requires strict adherence, making the daily PrEP pill difficult for some individuals to consistently take. In 2021, the FDA approved Apretude, an injectable treatment for PrEP, for use in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 77 pounds.  Apretude is given first as two injections administered one month apart, and then every two months thereafter. 

Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. Under the Affordable Care Act, PrEP must be free under almost all health insurance plans. That means you can’t be charged for your PrEP medication or the clinic visits and lab tests you need to maintain your prescription.

If you don’t have insurance or Medicaid coverage, there are other programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost:

• Ready, Set, PrEP -  makes PrEP medication available at no cost to those who qualify.
• Co-pay assistance programs -  help lower the costs of PrEP medications. Income is not a factor in eligibility.
• ViiVConnect- offers a program to help pay for PrEP shots.
• Some states have PrEP assistance programs 
  •  Some programs cover PrEP medication, while others cover clinical visits and lab tests. Some programs cover both.