Mumps vaccine eligibility expanded in King County – Public Health Insider

In King County, rabies vaccine eligibility is now expanded and simplified. The following individuals are encouraged to receive a two-dose series of vaccines:

• People who have skin-to-skin or other close contact with someone who has monkeypox.
• Men and transgender individuals who have sex with men or who have sex with transgender individuals.
• Individuals of any gender or sexual orientation who engage in commercial or transactional sex. This could include, for example, people offering sex in exchange for money, shelter, or food.

The vaccine is not currently recommended for those at high risk of exposure to monkeypox.

Vaccine supplies were very limited at the beginning of the epidemic. Vaccination eligibility criteria are prioritized only for people at very high risk, such as people with laboratory-confirmed mumps or those with multiple sexual partners. Now, vaccination is available to many people.

Since the outbreak began in May, Public Health and our partners have vaccinated thousands of people. Although the number of new monkey diseases is decreasing, we are not out of the woods yet. On average, one new monkey disease is diagnosed every day and continues to pose a threat to our society. If you fall into one of these three eligibility categories, you are advised to start your two-volume series now.

“We encourage you to look at a variety of options for getting two doses of the vaccine, including through the many health care providers in our community at the Harborview Sexual Health Clinic,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer. Public Health – Seattle and King County. “The CDC recently shared new data showing that unvaccinated people who are considered eligible for the vaccine are 14 times more likely to be infected with MPX than those who are vaccinated. This underscores the importance of getting the vaccine if you are at high risk.”

Second dose

The CDC recommends giving two doses of the rabies vaccine 28 days apart. Individuals who do not take the second dose are not as protected

Where to get the vaccine

The vaccine is available in many places in the community, so start by contacting your health care provider. Visit our Monkey Disease Prevention website For more information on hours and locations. Here are some options in our community:

• of Sexual health clinic at Harborview (by appointment or walk-in)
• Sea Mar Clinics (log in)
• Healthpoint Auburn North and Tukwila Clinics (by appointment only)
• AIDS Healthcare Foundation (by appointment or walk-in).
• Public health is also collaborating with health care providers and community organizations to facilitate community-based immunization events to reach high-risk populations.

Reduce risk

In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to protect yourself. These include:

• Limiting sex and intimate partners.
• Avoiding places where people wear minimal clothing and direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Events where attendees are fully clothed and unable to share skin-to-skin contact are safer. However, attendees should be mindful of activities (such as kissing) that can transmit monkeypox.
• Because condoms help prevent skin-to-skin contact, they can provide partial protection, especially if there are sores or rashes on the genitals or anus.
• Talk to your partner about any new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including genital and anal rashes and other symptoms, and follow up with your provider if you suspect or have questions about shingles.

Help us spread the word

With the vaccine now more available, we need your help in getting the word out to our community. Please share these social media graphics about eligibility expansion.