New York health officials on Wednesday expanded eligiblity for the monkeypox vaccine with plans to distribute 3,840 vials sent to the state by the federal government. 

Previously, eligible people for the monkeypox vaccine was limited to people who were likely exposed to the virus. Under the next phase, the vaccine is being made available to people who at risk of becoming infected. 

"By expanding eligibility, we are hopeful that many more New Yorkers will get immunized and prevent further transmission,” state Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “This distribution plan, and the eligibility expansion, will enable us to get the vaccine to more individuals across the state before they are exposed.”

The new phase of the response will result in more than 15,000 doses for New York residents, state health officials said. 

At-risk people for monkeypox infections include people who have had a recent or suspected exposure to a case, people in the LGBTQ+ community, people who have had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity or anyone who may be at risk of future exposure to someone with monkeypox.