Who is eligible for the monkeypox vaccine? Where to get the shot in Sacramento
Vaccination against monkeypox is available in Sacramento County, as the virus continues to spread in the region.
Health officials report that 22 people in the county have already been infected with the virus, as of Tuesday afternoon.
The monkeypox virus is related to the smallpox virus. And while its typically less severe and infectious, according to the county’s public health department, it can cause serious illness. Symptoms range from fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash, and can last up to four weeks.
Who can get vaccinated against monkeypox?
The county recommends that men who have sex with men and transgender people who meet one or more of these factors should get vaccinated:
▪ Tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection in the last two months
▪ Had more than two sexual partners in the past three weeks
▪ Visited or worked at a commercial sex venue in the last three weeks
▪ Had anonymous sex — which are encounters when parties do not know each others’ identities — in the last three weeks
▪ Engaged in sex work in the past three weeks
While some people may have a higher risk of getting infected, the county said anyone can get monkeypox.
Sacramento LGBT Community Center hosts vaccine clinic
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center on Wednesday afternoon will host a monkeypox vaccination clinic as the number of confirmed and probable cases continues to climb in Sacramento County.
The community center, located at 1015 20th St. in the Lavender Heights section of midtown, will host the vaccination clinic from 1 to 4 p.m., the center announced Tuesday in a Facebook post. The clinic will accommodate appointments and walk-up appointments as the vaccine supply permits.
Where to get vaccinated in Sacramento
If you meet the criteria for monkeypox vaccination, you can schedule an appointment with the Immunization Assistance Program at 916-875-7468 or immunize@saccounty.net. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
This story was originally published July 19, 2022 at 10:12 AM.