Department of
Health & Human Services

Long Beach, CA – As the Long Beach community gears up for Pride celebrations taking place next month, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging everyone to complete their mpox vaccination series for maximum protection. The Health Department will host Prep for Pride! on Tuesday, July 18, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.).

Prep for Pride! is a free event that will offer a variety of free sexual health services, including:

• Mpox vaccines
• HIV/STI testing
• COVID-19 testing and vaccines
• PrEP navigation

While appointments are not required, people interested in scheduling an appointment for mpox or COVID-19 vaccination can do so online at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or by calling 562.570.4636.

The event is being held in anticipation of the upcoming Long Beach Pride festivities, which will take place August 4 to 6, 2023. The Health Department urges everyone to complete their mpox vaccination series before attending Pride, as this provides the best protection against the virus.

People who have received their first dose of mpox vaccine at Health Department run clinics will receive a text reminder inviting them to attend the event to complete their vaccination series.

The Health Department looks forward to welcoming the Long Beach community to Prep for Pride! and working together to establish an inclusive and healthy environment for all. Details about Prep for Pride! and other sexual health resources are available at longbeach.gov/prepforpride.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, 562.441.3590 or Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.