Massachusetts reports 15 new monkeypox cases, more than 17,000 people vaccinated

State health officials reported 15 new monkeypox cases on Thursday, a tick down from last week as more than 17,000 people in the Bay State have been vaccinated against the virus.

The count of 15 new monkeypox cases in the Bay State was down from 17 infections during the previous week, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

It brings the total number of monkeypox cases in the state to 396 since the state’s first case was announced in mid-May. That first case was also the country’s first confirmed infection.

Last week, Boston Public Schools reported the first confirmed monkeypox case in the district. An adult member of the BPS community was diagnosed with the virus, the district announced.

Of the 396 monkeypox cases reported across the state, 99% have been male.

The JYNNEOS vaccine is now being administered intradermally into the skin at a lower dose that still provides the same immune response.

Since the start of June, 27,119 JYNNEOS vaccine doses have been administered to 17,784 people in Massachusetts. Of the people who’ve been vaccinated, 92% have been male.

Fourteen health care providers have been offering vaccinations across the state, and the Bay State has activated mobile providers to assist in vaccine administration.

“Due to extremely limited national availability of vaccine, the JYNNEOS vaccine in Massachusetts still remains limited at this time,” DPH said in a previous statement. “Vaccination is available to individuals who meet the CDC’s eligibility criteria and who live or work in Massachusetts. Vaccine is prioritized for individuals at greatest risk of exposure to someone with monkeypox.”