Resolution calling on the United States Department of Health and Human Services to increase the number of mpox vaccines available and to prevent future outbreaks by ensuring that the number of vaccines sent to New York City reflects its proportion of nationwide cases

This resolution, first introduced as Res. No. 243 and later revised as Proposed Res. No. 243-A, calls upon the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase the availability of mpox (monkeypox) vaccines and to ensure that the allocation of these vaccines to New York City (NYC) is proportional to its share of nationwide cases. The resolution highlights that NYC has historically been the epicenter of mpox outbreaks in the U.S., experiencing a significant number of cases relative to its population. During the 2022 outbreak, NYC received approximately 13% of the national JYNNEOS vaccine doses despite having a higher proportion of cases, leading to severe shortages and rapid booking of available appointments. The resolution notes that even with subsequent vaccine distributions, NYC's allocation has not always reflected its case numbers, causing frustration and hindering effective containment efforts. The updated version (243-A) references the continued spread of mpox, including a resurgence in 2024 with a more severe strain, and points out discrepancies in CDC versus state/city recommendations for at-risk individuals, further emphasizing the need for equitable vaccine distribution.