Cases of monkeypox keep rising across New York, so officials at both the state and local levels are ramping up efforts to fight the spread.

Just as they did during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Westchester Medical Center is setting up a drive-thru monkeypox vaccine clinic. Monday-Friday

Vaccines are available from Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. but it is by appointment only. To make an appointment, visit the Health Department Website or call (914) 326-2060.

There are now 1,100 confirmed monkeypox cases statewide, including 34 across the lower Hudson Valley - 27 of those cases are in Westchester County.

It's important to remember this is not like COVID-19. Monkeypox is not airborne. It's a virus that is spread mostly through skin to skin contact, usually in intimate situations.  Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and in more serious cases, what can be a painful rash or lesions. 

It is treatable through the vaccine, which is only approved for people 18 and older and is given in two doses 28 days apart.

So far, the Westchester County Health Department in White Plains has vaccinated at least 200 people at their monkeypox clinic.
County health officials say they have now received more than 4,500 doses.

The drive-thru vaccination clinic being set up at Westchester Medical Center will be open to people outside of the county. "Westchester County Medical facility is a tertiary facility which really serves a number of Hudson Valley counties," says County Executive George Latimer.

The county is also working closely with its LGBTQ Advisory Board and The Loft to educate the public and reach those who are most at risk. The Loft in White Plains is also holding a clinic on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. for people 18 and older. 

All positive cases of a county resident are required to be reported to the Westchester County Health Department, who will conduct contact tracing.