Laath.Martin@longbeach.gov
Public Information Specialist
Department of Health and Human Services
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine. This decision is in alignment with Los Angeles County and done in effort to make the monkeypox vaccine more accessible to the populations at highest risk in the city.
“We are working with urgency to address monkeypox in our community, and we are especially committed to ensuring that we meet the needs of our highest risk populations — gay and bisexual men in particular,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Our health department is working around the clock to reach out to folks who may be impacted.
The monkeypox vaccine is now available for the following people:
- People who were exposed to someone with confirmed monkeypox and do not have symptoms.
- People who attended an event/venue where there was high risk of exposure to someone with confirmed monkeypox.
- New: Gay or bisexual men and transgender persons who are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
- New: Gay or bisexual men and transgender persons who attended saunas, bathhouses, sex clubs, circuit parties, or sex parties where they had anonymous sex or sex with multiple partners.
- New: Gay or bisexual men and transgender persons with a diagnosis of gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past 12 months.
While the vaccine supply is still limited, the Health Department is actively working to identify people who meet the new eligibility requirements and connect them to vaccine. Starting tomorrow, July 20, a pre-registration system will be available for individuals to join a wait list. Those who sign-up and meet the new eligibility criteria will be contacted with additional information on how to get vaccinated when it is their turn. The pre-registration system will be available at longbeach.gov/monkeypox.
The Health Department continues to contact people who met the previous criteria to schedule a vaccination appointment. Those who receive an eligibility email or text from the Health Department should bring a digital or printed copy to their appointment. The vaccine available to prevent monkeypox, JYNNEOS, is a two-dose series given at least four weeks apart. Second dose reminder cards will be given at the time of vaccination.
On Saturday, July 16, the City announced the first confirmed presumptive case of monkeypox in Long Beach. As of July 19, there are five confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox in Long Beach. None of these individuals required hospitalization and all are isolating and recovering at home. The Health Department is continuing to closely monitor the situation and distribute available vaccine. While the risk of monkeypox is low, Health officials urge community members to remain vigilant and aware of symptoms and possible exposure.
The Health Department urges everyone to assess their risk and modify activities that can put them at greater risk. Most cases being reported locally and nationally have been associated with skin-to-skin contact. Risk of exposure can increase when having any kind of sex or intimate contact, including hugging or kissing, with multiple or anonymous people. Attending venues or events such as clubs, saunas, bathhouses, sex parties, and circuit parties, where there is skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with many people, can also increase risk, especially if people are wearing less clothing.
Symptoms of monkeypox typically include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills, and
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus
Sometimes, people only experience a rash. The rash goes through different stages and often resolves in two to four weeks on its own. There are treatments available if needed, but they usually are not necessary. People with monkeypox are infectious and should isolate until the rash is gone.
People who have symptoms should call their healthcare provider; they will determine the need for testing. Those who do not have a healthcare provider and are experiencing symptoms can contact the City’s public health information line at 562.570.7907 for assistance with finding healthcare services.
The Department encourages all residents to visit longbeach.gov/monkeypox for up-to-date facts on monkeypox, and to avoid misinformation. You can also follow updates, tips and notices on the Health Department’s social media pages @LBHealthDept and by following the hashtag #monkeypoxLB.
Media inquiries may be directed to Laath Martin, Public Information Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, at Laath.Martin@longbeach.gov.