Los Angeles County has seen an increase in local mpox infections, health officials said Monday, September 23, as they urged people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated.
According to the county Public Health Department, 52 cases of mpox have been reported in the county in the past four weeks, more than double the 24 reported in the previous four weeks. Health officials said about 70% of the latest cases were in unvaccinated people.
Health officials recommended vaccination for people at higher risk of infection:
– Men or transgender people who have sexual relations with men or transgender people; – People of any gender or sexual orientation who have sexual relations or close physical contact with other people in connection with a large public event or who are involved in commercial sex and/or action; – People with HIV, especially those with uncontrolled or advanced HIV; and – Sexual partners of persons in any of the above groups.
The mpox vaccine consists of a two-dose series, which is available at pharmacies for people with insurance. Vaccines may also be available through health care providers.
County health clinics offer mpox vaccinations free of charge and without an appointment. A list of clinics is available online at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/phcenters.htm.
A list of Public Health sites, pharmacies and other places offering the vaccine is available at http://ph.lacounty.gov/media/monkeypox/docs/PublicMpoxReferral.pdf.
Original story:
2024-09-25 13:12:25
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