The worldwide epidemic of monkeypox is occurring in the gays, bisexuals and other men having sex with multiple male partners. Currently, the risk of contracting monkeypox for the public remains very low.
Vaccination is an important prevention strategy to contain the epidemic. Nevertheless, the supply of monkeypox vaccines continues to be low relative to demand nationwide. However, the region continues to receive its monkeypox vaccine allocation from the California Department of Public Health.
Who is eligible?
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the monkeypox vaccine primarily for people exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with confirmed or probable monkeypox infection and for people with immunocompromised diseases who are more high risk of developing serious illness or complications if they contract the virus. .
Where is the vaccine available?
The 1,550 vaccine doses distributed this week reflect allocated vaccines, not what remains in stock. Vaccines can be found at the following health systems, federally licensed health centers and clinics by appointment only:
County Public health centers and STD clinics also have about 300 vaccine doses available by appointment only.
Of the 1,550 doses distributed this week, nearly all are going to health care providers and clinics above, as well as a county stash for close contacts of confirmed or probable cases.
Where are the tests available?
The tests are widely available from healthcare providers and involve the use of a swab to remove suspicious skin lesions. People without a health care provider, who need testing, can call 2-1-1 to be referred to a provider. 2-1-1 does not currently offer vaccination appointments.
What about second doses?
The monkeypox vaccine is a series of two doses given 28 days apart. Following advice from the California Department of Public Health, given the low supply of vaccines, the county is currently recommending that the first doses be given to as many eligible people as possible. One dose of monkeypox vaccine is 80% effective. Second doses will be given when more vaccines become available.
“Our goal is to get a dose into the eligible arms of as many people as possible,” said Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, county public health officer. “When we have more vaccines, we can start giving second doses for even higher efficacy.”
Since late May, the county has received 4,687 doses of monkeypox vaccine. Of these, 3,251 were distributed and 2,267 were administered. The number administered may be higher because it takes a few days for the vaccine register to be updated. As more doses are assigned to the area, the county will expand distribution.
For more information on monkeypox, visit the county’s Monkeypox website, which is updated around 4 p.m. each weekday afternoon. To receive text messages about monkeypox, text COSD MONKEYPOX to 468-311.