PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is expanding the eligibility criteria for the monkeypox (MPX) vaccine, effective immediately. This decision is in alignment with Los Angeles County and done in order to make the vaccine more readily accessible to those at high risk and to stop the spread of MPX.

The MPX vaccine is now available to:

• People who were exposed to someone with confirmed MPX and do not have symptoms.
• People who attended an event/venue where there was high risk of exposure to someone with confirmed MPX.
• Residents who are immunocompromised, including those with advanced or uncontrolled HIV, who may be at high risk for severe disease.
• Gay or bisexual men and transgender people:
• Who are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• Who attended saunas, bathhouses, sex clubs, circuit parties or sex parties where they had anonymous sex or sex with multiple partners.
• With a diagnosis of gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past 12 months.
• Who had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days.
• New: Gay or bisexual men and transgender people who had skin-to-skin or intimate contact (e.g., kissing, hugging) with persons at large venues or events in the past 14 days.
• New: Persons of any gender or sexual orientation who engaged in commercial and/or transactional sex in the past 14 days (e.g., sex in exchange for money, shelter, food and other goods or needs).

In addition, a limited number of appointments are available this week on MyTurn for City-run MPX vaccine clinics. Last week, the City transitioned its pre-registration system over to MyTurn but prioritized appointments for those who already registered with the City. Starting Aug. 30, City-run MPX vaccine clinics will be open to all who register on MyTurn.

Long Beach has been working diligently in its response to MPX and has been working closely with community partners, including sexual health clinics, LGBTQ+ centers, acute care hospitals, pharmacies and homeless service providers to provide vaccine, treatment, education and guidance. The Health Department has activated its Department Operations Center, prioritizing resources and leadership to focus on the clinical, epidemiological and community response.

As of today, there are 66 confirmed and probable cases of MPX in Long Beach. At least one has required hospitalization, and all are isolating and recovering at home or have recovered. To date, the city has administered more than 2,800 doses of MPX vaccine.

The Department encourages all residents to visit longbeach.gov/monkeypox for up-to-date facts on MPX, 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.