There are several questions surrounding Monkeypox in the East TN and Southeastern Kentucky region. Below is information to answer questions.

• Worldwide, there have been no reports of transmission of monkeypox virus through blood transfusion and the risk of transfusion-transmission remains theoretical.
• Routine measures used to determine blood donor eligibility prevent individuals with symptomatic infections from donating blood. 
• Given the robustness of the existing safeguards for blood safety FDA does not recommend that blood establishments ask donors additional, specific questions about possible exposure to the monkeypox virus. 
• FDA does not recommend using laboratory diagnostic tests to screen blood donors for the monkeypox virus. 
• FDA will continue to monitor cases of monkeypox in the U.S. and worldwide and the available information about the potential risk of transfusion-transmitted monkeypox virus.

There is no deferral after receipt of the monkeypox vaccine. If a smallpox vaccination is given in lieu of a monkey pox vaccine, donor deferral may be required; consult with MEDIC staff.

Click here for the CDC information page on Monkeypox.

Click here for FDA information.

If you have further questions, please call us at 865-524-3074 or email us at contact@medicblood.org.