Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of monkeypox. For the Springfield region, the Sangamon County Department of Public Health has expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine. Expanded eligibility criteria are as follows: Anyone regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation who: Had recent skin-to-skin contact or intimate contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox. Exchanged goods or services for sex in the last six months. Is living with HIV, especially persons with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease. Is eligible to take or currently taking PrEP (pre-exposure

On September 16, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced new appointments to state boards and commissions. Don Diemer, PA, DHSc, was appointed to serve as a member of the Illinois State Medical Board. Diemer is the program director for the Physician Assistant Program and Doctor of Medical Science Program at SIU School of Medicine. He also serves as a physician assistant for Rural Health Inc. Previously, Diemer served as the associate program director for the Physician Assistant Program at Texas Tech University. Diemer served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years as a captain

On September 16, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced new appointments to state boards and commissions. Don Diemer, PA, DHSc, was appointed to serve as a member of the Illinois State Medical Board. Diemer is the program director for the Physician Assistant Program and Doctor of Medical Science Program at SIU School of Medicine. He also serves as a physician assistant for Rural Health Inc. Previously, Diemer served as the associate program director for the Physician Assistant Program at Texas Tech University. Diemer served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years as a captain

On September 16, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced new appointments to state boards and commissions. Don Diemer, PA, DHSc, was appointed to serve as a member of the Illinois State Medical Board. Diemer is the program director for the Physician Assistant Program and Doctor of Medical Science Program at SIU School of Medicine. He also serves as a physician assistant for Rural Health Inc. Previously, Diemer served as the associate program director for the Physician Assistant Program at Texas Tech University. Diemer served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years as a captain