LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Local mpox infections are surging in Los Angeles County, health officials announced Monday, urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated.
According to the county Department of Public Health, 52 mpox cases have been reported in the county over the past four weeks, more than double the 24 cases reported in the previous four weeks. Health officials said about 70% of recent infections are among unvaccinated people.
Health officials encouraged people at high risk of infection to get vaccinated.
— Men or transgender people who have sex with men or transgender people.
— People of any gender or sexual orientation who have sex or intimate physical contact with others in connection with large public events, or engage in commercial and/or transactional sex.
— HIV-infected people, especially those with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease. and
— Sexual partners of people from any of the above groups.
The mpox vaccine is a two-dose series and is available at pharmacies for people with insurance. Vaccines may also be available through your health care provider.
County clinics are offering free mpox vaccines without an appointment. A list of clinics is available online at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/phcenters.htm.
A list of public health, pharmacy and other sites offering vaccines is available at http://ph.lacounty.gov/media/monkeypox/docs/PublicMpoxReferral.pdf.
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