The Santa Clara County Public Health Department announced Tuesday that it will expand the eligibility of people who can receive the monkeypox vaccine.
Authorities indicated that they are working with community organizations of the LGBTQ+ community to offer the doses to those who qualify.
“The county is working diligently to distribute monkeypox vaccines equitably, consistent with the CDC’s National Monkeypox Vaccine Strategy,” said Dr. George Han, deputy director of health for the Department of Santa Clara County Public Health. “This approach prioritizes vaccinating people who are most at risk first. We have partnered with LGBTQ+ community organizations, who are an important part of the local response to monkeypox, and we are grateful for their leadership and honored for their partnership with us.”
Due to a vaccine shortage, the county offers vaccinations by invitation or by appointment.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO GET THE MONKEYPOX VACCINE
- People who have had direct physical contact with someone confirmed to have monkeypox
- Who has attended an event or place where a person contagious with the virus was at the event and had direct physical contact with other people there
- Identify as a gay, bisexual, or other cisgender man who has sex with men (MSM), or as a transgender man or woman, who meets at least one of the following risk criteria: having a recent history of multiple or anonymous sexual partners, participating in group sex, attending sex venues (for example, public baths) or events, and working or volunteering at a bathhouse or sex club
- Have had a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, in the past year
- perform sex work
As of Tuesday, July 19, 2022, there have been 23 cases of monkeypox in Santa Clara County. Getting a vaccine before exposure or soon after exposure, ideally within 4 days, but up to 14 days later, can help prevent infection with the virus.
–
