Monkeypox vaccine site opens in West Hollywood

As California continues under a state of emergency due to the monkeypox outbreak, the city of West Hollywood launched a pop-up clinic to deliver scarce doses of vaccine to vulnerable recipients. "I'm just so happy I got it because, I don't know, after going through COVID, I don't want to be susceptible to anything else that could hurt me and also disfigure my face or body," said Jack Dillon, 24, who registered ahead of time for his appointment. Los Angeles County currently has 19,000 doses of the vaccine for high risk individuals. "There's definitely a shortage of supply. You know, we are in a race," said Andrea Kim, who is directing the vaccination effort for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Gov. Gavin Newsom's Monday declaration will help California coordinate a government-wide response, seek more vaccines and lead outreach and education efforts on where people can get treatment and vaccination. The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged and close skin-to-skin contact, which can include hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as through the sharing of bedding, towels and clothing. People getting sick so far have mainly been men who have sex with men, though health officials note that the virus can infect anyone. The declaration in California came after a similar one in New York state on Saturday, and in San Francisco on Thursday. Newsom's administration had said as recently as Friday that it was too soon for such a declaration. "I would say the community right now is pretty scared, unnerved. A lot of my friends are really like remaining celibate right now," said Dillon. The World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries a global emergency.