Danny Jeffers says getting the monkeypox vaccine was a no-brainer or for him.

“Part of it is not knowing a lot what’s going on with it and how bad it can affect you,” he said.

Jeffers is one of several patients taking advantage of a partnership between the Pinellas County Health Department and Love The Golden Rule to get the first shot in a two-shot vaccine for the monkeypox.

He said he and his partner were concerned about how the virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, and the number of unanswered questions they had.

“I think the not knowing a lot about it made it worse, instead of knowing all the facts up front,” Jeffers said. “So once we found out there was a chance to get the vaccine, we want to jump at that.”

Dr. Bob Wallace said he’s already treated two patients infected with monkeypox and six others who were exposed to someone who developed lesions a day later. He said he’s concerned more cases will surface.

“The incubation period is up to 21 days," he said. “So people need to know that when they’ve been at a pool party with lots and lots and lots of body-to-body contact, that it could be up to 21 days.”

The number of vaccines available or limited in the Bay Area, but health officials say more doses are on the way.

Jeffers says it’s worth giving the vaccine a chance.

“Now, we’re more used to getting vaccines because of COVID and everything else, so it’s just another thing," he said. "But it’s like, don’t wait. If you have a chance to get it, you should do it.”

Wallace’s office is also taking part in a trial this week to develop an oral test for monkeypox.

“We need people who have active moneypox lesions.”, he said. “There will be a $60 payment for patients who can come. We can take anyone from anywhere in the Bay Area.”

The trial will be conducted this Friday at Love The Golden Rule.