Monkeypox Wastewater Testing and Vaccine Availability
The University of Arizona will soon begin testing wastewater on main campus for the monkeypox virus. Wastewater-based epidemiology is a helpful method for determining the presence of monkeypox in a community and can help inform public health efforts at the University.
Please note that wastewater testing for monkeypox is collected in the aggregate and cannot identify individual infections. Results from specific testing locations will not be shared publicly. More information about wastewater testing at the University is available on the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center website.
Monkeypox vaccine at Campus Health
Campus Health administers the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine to students, faculty and staff at no cost. If you have questions or wish to schedule an immunization appointment, call 520-621-9202. More information about the vaccine (including eligibility criteria) is available on the Campus Health monkeypox page.
The Pima County Health Department also offers the monkeypox vaccine. If you are outside of Pima County, check with your local health department for vaccine availability.
About monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that results in blisters that appear on the body. It is spread by close contact and exposure to an infected person's rash, skin lesions, respiratory secretions (during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex), other bodily fluids or material (clothes/bedding) contaminated with the virus. Close personal contact, sexual or not, could cause a person to become infected. People of all genders, sexual orientations and ages can contract monkeypox. Most individuals who are infected with monkeypox will recover within a few weeks without the need for treatment.
If you develop symptoms of monkeypox, contact Campus Health or your health care provider for testing and treatment options. More information is available on the Campus Health monkeypox page.
For more information on monkeypox and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, visit the CDC website.