Public Health Expands Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility to Additional Groups

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is expanding the criteria to include additional residents at high risk of exposure to monkeypox. Starting today, Monday, August 22, the monkeypox vaccine will be available to persons who self-attest to being in the following high-risk groups:

Gay or bisexual men and transgender people who had:

• Multiple or anonymous sex partners in the past 14 days; OR
• (NEW) Skin-to-skin or intimate contact (e.g., kissing, hugging) with persons at large venues or events in the past 14 days
• (NEW) Persons of any gender or sexual orientation who engaged in commercial and/or transactional sex in the past 14 days (e.g., sex in exchange for money, shelter, food, and other goods or needs)
• Residents who are immunocompromised, including those with advanced or uncontrolled HIV, may be at high risk for severe disease and will be prioritized for vaccination.

Residents who met the prior eligibility criteria are still eligible for vaccination (i.e., you are a gay or bisexual man or a transgender person and who were diagnosed with gonorrhea or early syphilis in the past 12 months, are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or had anonymous sex or sex with multiple partners within the past 21 days in a commercial sex venue or another venue).

Eligible residents needing their first dose can now register by visiting ph.lacounty.gov/monkeypoxsignup.

Additionally, residents who received their first dose more than 28 days ago can receive their second dose in the following ways:

• Residents who received their first dose through their healthcare provider over 28 days ago should contact their provider to schedule an appointment.
• Residents who registered through the Public Health registration system and were vaccinated at a Public Health location will receive a second text message when their second dose is due with instructions on where to receive their second dose.
• All first and second doses will be administered intradermally unless contraindicated. The FDA has advised that those under 18 years of age and adults who have a history of developing keloid scars should get the vaccine beneath the skin (subcutaneously), not between the layers of the skin (intradermally).

Those without access to the internet or who need help with registration can call the Public Health Call Center for more information on monkeypox, including general information, testing, treatment, and vaccines at (833) 540-0473. The Public Health Call Center is open 7 days a week 8 am – 8:30 pm.

For more information, please visit here.