LA Public Health Administered 164 Mpox Vaccinations During WeHo Pride

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health administered mpox vaccinations at an on-site pop-up clinic at the WeHo Pride Street Fair during WeHo Pride Weekend on Saturday June 3, 2023 and Sunday, June 4, 2023 on Santa Monica Boulevard in the City’s Rainbow District near N. San Vicente Boulevard. According to a nurse,164 mpox vaccinations were administered during the weekend–81 on Saturday, and 83 on Sunday, which she said was better than expected.

Several Street Fair attendees lined up for their mpox vaccination, while others asked questions and gathered information to get their vaccine at a later date because they didn’t want to risk feeling side effects during the pride festivities.

In collaboration with the City of West Hollywood, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offered the mpox (formerly known as “monkeypox”) vaccinations for free during the WeHo Pride festivities. No appointment was necessary. Individuals simply signed up and waited their turn. The LA County Public Health booth also offered free vaccinations for COVID-19, hepatitis A, and influenza.

The mpox vaccine is currently available to anyone who requests it and individuals do not have to disclose information about personal risk. The virus spreads primarily from prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which includes hugging, sleeping in the same bed, or sexual activity, and can also be transmitted via direct contact with scabs, rashes, or respiratory secretions from a person infected with mpox. Large gatherings can become hubs for transmission of the virus, which disproportionately affected gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in a breakout in 2022.

Although there have been relatively few cases of mpox in 2023, a recent cluster of new cases has recently been reported by the Chicago Department of Public Health. The data raises concerns among health officials about a resurgence of mpox in localized areas. LA County Public Health strongly recommends that people at higher risk for mpox get fully vaccinated with two doses of the mpox vaccine for maximum protection. Second doses can be given no matter how long it’s been since the first dose. Individuals can choose to receive the vaccine subcutaneously (in the upper arm) or intradermally (under the skin on the arm or back).

In addition to the mpox vaccine, other agencies also drink-spiking test strips, Fentanyl test strips, and Naloxone/Narcan at the WeHo Pride Street Fair. as well as HIV/STI testing and connection to treatment.

Los Angeles County Public Health Information – LA County Public Health information can be found at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/index.htm.

City of West Hollywood Social Services Division – The City of West Hollywood’s Social Services Division provides social services, health education and information to the community to improve quality of life. For more information – including a link the City’s Social Services Guide – please visit www.weho.org/socialservices.