Suffolk To Open Monkeypox Vaccine Clinics In Brentwood, Patchogue

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — New Yorkers can soon receive the monkeypox vaccine at clinics in Patchogue and Brentwood, in addition to other locations such as Bay Shore, Hampton Bays and Fire Island, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's office said Monday.

Suffolk County will be partnering with Northwell Health, Stony Brook Medicine and Sun River Health to host pop-up clinics, after the county received 4,080 more vaccines this week, Bellone said.

Beginning on Aug. 15, Stony Brook Medicine will administer approximately 300 monkeypox vaccines in Hampton Bays.

Throughout the month of August, Suffolk County will also be partnering with Sun River Health to administer about 400 vaccines in both Brentwood and Patchogue. Appointments will be available beginning Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 9 a.m.

“Although monkeypox cases remain low here in Suffolk, it is critical that we continue to offer vaccinations to our residents to ensure the safety of everyone,” said Bellone. “Through our new partnership with Sun River Health, we are expanding the footprint of our pop-up clinics, offering even more opportunities for our residents to get vaccinated.”

As of Monday, the New York State Department of Health stated that Suffolk County has 22 confirmed cases of the monkeypox virus. The county has the second highest total of cases in New York State excluding New York City, which has 1,965 cases as of Tuesday.

Last week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state-of-emergency because of the rise of monkeypox cases.

"We continue to see the spread of this virus in our communities," said Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott. "Although it has not led to fatalities, it can cause significant discomfort. Thankfully we have been provided a vaccine that will help to contain this illness."

The first case of monkeypox in Suffolk County was confirmed on July 1, and the vaccine was rolled out shortly after.

Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person most often through direct and prolonged contact with the infectious rash, scabs, body fluids, or respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex, according to the county. It may also spread by touching items, such as clothing or linens with infectious body fluids. Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

Recent monkeypox cases in the region have involved a rash that is often in the genital and peri-anal regions and may include other symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pain when swallowing, before or after the rash appears. Most infections last two to four weeks.

The virus has especially affected members of the gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming community and other communities of men who have sex with men.

Dr. David Kilmnick, CEO and president of the LGBT Network, recently spoke with Patch about the importance of getting vaccinated and de-stigmatizing the virus.

"We shouldn't shame people," he said. "This is a public health issue, first and foremost."

Appointments are available at Suffolk County's website. All clinics are by appointment only and individuals must meet New York State eligibility requirements.

Here is the full list of dates and locations where the monkeypox vaccine is available:

Northwell Health Clinics include:

Wednesday, August 10

Northwell Health Community Center in the Westfield Mall
1701 Sunrise Highway
Bay Shore, NY

Friday, August 12

Northwell Health Physician Partners at Cherry Grove
153 Doctors Walk

Cherry Grove, NY

Saturday, August 13

Whyte Hall Community Center
577 Fire Island Blvd
Sayville, NY

Stony Brook Medicine Clinics Include:

Monday, August 15

Edie Windsor Healthcare Center
182 W Montauk Highway
Building B, Suite D
Hampton Bays, NY

Wednesday, August 17

Edie Windsor Healthcare Center

182 W Montauk Highway
Building B, Suite D
Hampton Bays, NY

Friday, August 19

Edie Windsor Healthcare Center
182 W Montauk Highway
Building B, Suite D
Hampton Bays, NY

Sun River Health Clinics Include:

Thursday, August 11

Sun River Brentwood Health Center
1869 Brentwood Road
Brentwood, NY

Sun River Patchogue Health Center

501 N Ocean Ave
Patchogue, NY

Monday, August 15 to Friday, August 19

Sun River Brentwood Health Center
1869 Brentwood Rd
Brentwood, NY

Sun River Patchogue Health Center
501 N Ocean Ave
Patchogue, NY

Monday, August 22 to Friday, August 26

Sun River Brentwood Health Center
1869 Brentwood Rd
Brentwood, NY

Sun River Patchogue Health Center
501 N Ocean Ave
Patchogue, NY

Monday, August 29 to Friday, September 2

Sun River Brentwood Health Center
1869 Brentwood Rd
Brentwood, NY

Sun River Patchogue Health Center

501 N Ocean Ave
Patchogue, NY