Monkeypox Vaccines to Be Provided at Pride Events Around the Country
As part of the Biden administration’s ongoing effort to curb the spread of monkeypox (MPV), the Department of Health and Human Services has launched an outreach program to provide vaccines at large LGBTQ+ gatherings across the country.During a pilot program, HHS will make additional vaccine allocations available to states and local health departments that host events primarily attended by men who have sex with men.For the program, jurisdictions can use 50,000 doses reserved from the Strategic National Stockpile and their existing vaccine allocations and supplies, according to a White House announcement of the program.
The amount available depends on the jurisdiction’s size, nature, and ability to reach attendees at risk of contracting MPV.“We’re asking the requests to include a component of how they will promote education and awareness, as well as how they will address health equity in delivery of both messaging as well as vaccine,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr.
Rochelle Walensky said during a call with reporters Thursday. As well as providing vaccine doses, CDC also assists and supports jurisdictions in preparing for significant events. “This is important,” Bob Fenton, the White House MPV response coordinator, said. “It’s innovative — the way that we will bolster local efforts to meet people where they are and mitigate the spread of monkeypox.”The agency can assist in developing vaccination and testing strategies, developing tools for collecting information from participants, and providing communication resources about vaccines, testing, and ways to decrease the risk of contracting the virus during and around these events.
