Briefs

Public Health Strongly Recommends Mpox Vaccination Before Pride Events

To reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting mpox at upcoming festivals and Pride events, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health “strongly recommends” people at higher risk for mpox get fully vaccinated with two doses of the mpox vaccine for maximum protection against severe illness.

While there have been only three confirmed new mpox cases reported since March 1 in Los Angeles County, the recently reported cluster of at least 14 mpox cases in the Chicago area highlights the high potential for mpox resurgence locally.

Mpox is mainly spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person during intimate physical contact or sex. However, it is important to note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has determined that some infected people who have no symptoms can still spread the infection up to four days before they develop symptoms.

The following groups are considered at higher risk for mpox:

  • Any man or transgender person who has sex with men or transgender persons
  • Persons of any gender or sexual orientation who engage in commercial and/or transactional sex or have sex in association with a large public event
  • Persons living with HIV, especially persons with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease
  • Sexual partners of people in any of the above groups

People in these higher-risk groups should get two doses of mpox vaccine for the best protection. The vaccine works very well to prevent mpox (70-85% protection) and prevent serious cases. Second doses can be given no matter how long it’s been since the first dose. Residents can choose to receive the mpox subcutaneously (in the upper arm) or intradermally (under the skin on their arm or back). Vaccine boosters are not recommended at this time.

Mpox vaccines are free and available to anyone who requests it regardless of their insurance or immigration status and without having to disclose information on personal risk.

Details: Visit Myturn.ca.gov; 833-540-0473; ph.lacounty.gov/mpox.

Reporters Desk

Recent Posts

County to Protect Medi-Cal and CalFresh Access for 1.7 Million Residents Amid New Federal Work Requirements

The motion also calls for the expansion of workfare and volunteer opportunities across county departments…

13 hours ago

Governors Briefs: CalRx® Insulin, $11 a Pen, Will Soon be Available and Appointment Announced

This launch marks a significant step in the state's ongoing effort to lower prescription drug…

14 hours ago

Purdue Student Paper Shows Solidarity With Rival

  After the Indiana University Media School fired its director of student media and banned…

15 hours ago

POLA Lead Attorney Steve Otera Named Corporate Counsel of the Year by LA Business Journal

  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Business Journal has given a top legal honor…

15 hours ago

Ports Briefs: POLB Cargo Slows as Clean Truck Study and Air Quality Report Highlight Progress

The Final 2024 Class 8 Drayage Truck Feasibility Assessment Report focuses on battery electric and…

18 hours ago

Public Health Investigating Possible Local Spread of Clade I Mpox; Third Case Confirmed in Los Angeles County

So far in 2025, Public Health has reported 118 cases of clade II mpox.

2 days ago