Monkeypox response shows some COVID-19 lessons remain unlearned

The case count keeps rising. Diagnosis is tricky, vaccine supplies limited. Outreach and education are nascent. Public officials are slow to step up their efforts.

It's a story about a new virus, not COVID-19. This spotlight is on monkeypox, which has spread throughout the world and into the United States, including New York. A vaccine, Jynneos, exists — but not enough of it. Part of the problem: Its small Danish manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, has closed one of its facilities for an expansion. Also at issue: the Food and Drug Administration's lengthy facility inspection and approval process, which recently was ramped up.

It's frustrating that some COVID-19 lessons remain unlearned. Even when officials finally mobilized, and some vaccine doses became available, appointments booked up within minutes. In some cases, online appointment sites, particularly New York City's, crashed before anyone could try. Importantly, Suffolk County took an early lead, pinpointing the need, then securing and dispensing vaccines. Only very recently has Nassau begun to follow. Overall, information and outreach efforts remain insufficient, even with more than 2,300 cases nationwide, 756 in New York State, mostly in the city. 

The monkeypox outbreak is different from COVID-19. While it causes painful lesions and significant illness, monkeypox is far less likely to cause hospitalization or death, although the young and immunocompromised are at greater risk. And unlike at the start of COVID-19, we know a lot about monkeypox transmission.

Monkeypox primarily spreads among men who have sex with men. As a result, Suffolk has appropriately trained much of its attention and vaccine distribution on Fire Island, a popular vacation and gathering spot for gay communities. Nonetheless, there's a legitimate fear of a return of the stigma that gay Americans faced during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. It's critical that state and local officials defuse any backlash, while educating and vaccinating those most at risk and properly diagnosing and caring for those who get sick.

There are valid concerns that the virus will spread rapidly. Fire Island this weekend plays host to the annual Pines Party, an LGBTQ+ gathering that attracts thousands of visitors. Vaccinating and educating individuals before and during the festival are critical. For those at risk, any symptoms — especially a rash — must be taken seriously.

Federal officials say they're securing more vaccine doses. New York must get a large share and dispense it quickly. Also important: Managing the supply to make sure all who get their first dose can receive their second four weeks later, since immunity doesn't kick in until two weeks after the second dose.

Once again, New York finds itself behind the curve of a worrisome virus. And once again, state and local officials need to learn from their mistakes so next time, they're ahead from the start.