Mpox Cases Increasing in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is alerting residents and health care providers about a doubling in mpox cases, with 52 cases reported in Los Angeles County in the last four weeks, compared to 24 during the previous four-week period. Approximately 70% of new cases in the past six months were individuals who were not vaccinated.

Given the recent increase in cases, Public Health strongly recommends the following actions:

Vaccination: Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of mpox. JYNNEOS is a two-dose vaccine developed to protect against mpox, and getting both doses provides the best protection against mpox. The vaccine is available to anyone, and individuals who identify with any of the following subgroups are highly encouraged to get vaccinated:

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

People in high-risk groups are urged to get fully vaccinated with two doses for the best protection. Second doses can be given no matter how long it’s been since the first dose. Vaccine boosters are not recommended at this time.

Vaccines are available at pharmacies across LA County for insured residents. Residents should plan ahead and schedule their vaccine appointments at pharmacies in advance. Residents can also call their healthcare providers to enquire about receiving JYNNEOS.

Public Health Clinics also offer free mpox vaccines without appointments, while supplies last. To find a Public Health Clinic near you, visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/phcenters.htm. For residents planning to visit Public Health Clinics to receive the vaccine, it is recommended you visit as soon as possible to ensure availability.

For a list of Public Health, pharmacy, and provider sites offering JYNNEOS vaccine for the public visit: http://ph.lacounty.gov/media/monkeypox/docs/PublicMpoxReferral.pdf