City of Long Beach Transitions Monkeypox Vaccine Pre-Registration System to MyTurn

PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - Effective tomorrow, Aug. 19, 2022, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) will transition the monkeypox vaccine pre-registration system to MyTurn, the State's vaccination notification and appointment system. This transition will help manage efficient and equitable vaccine distribution as supply increases.

"We know the MyTurn system, which we used during the pandemic, will help bring even more efficiency to our efforts of vaccine access and distribution," said Mayor Robert Garcia.

The City's current monkeypox vaccine appointment and notification pre-registration system will close at the end of the operating day today, Aug. 18. Previously, those seeking vaccine would sign up on the City's pre-registration system and, based on eligibility and vaccine availability, would be contacted by the Health Department to schedule an appointment. Starting Aug. 19, those seeking vaccine will utilize the State's system, MyTurn, and the pre-registration system will be closed as people can now sign up directly with the State. People who already registered through the pre-registration system have been prioritized to receive vaccine appointments. Moving forward, all who are interested and eligible are encouraged to check MyTurn for clinics available in their area. Starting next week, City-run monkeypox vaccine clinics will be included among the open appointment slots on MyTurn.

The Health Department launched the pre-registration system in July as a proactive effort to vaccinate those who are most at risk as quickly as possible and notify people regarding eligibility. To date, more than 3,800 eligible people have signed up through the pre-registration system, with more than 2,500 doses administered in the City. As of today, all eligible people in the pre-registration system have been contacted by the Health Department to schedule a vaccination appointment.

This week, the Health Department began administering the vaccine to those ages 18 and older through intradermal injection. On Aug. 9, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of the Jynneos vaccine to allow healthcare providers to use the vaccine by intradermal injection for those who are determined to be at high risk for monkeypox infection. Those who are under 18 years of age and those who have a history of developing keloid scars will continue to receive the subcutaneous full dose.

Previously, the Jynneos vaccine was administered subcutaneously, or beneath the skin. Intradermal injection is administered between the layers of the skin and allows people to receive a smaller dose that is one fifth the amount administered through the subcutaneous injection. This new injection method produces a similar immune response. Two doses of the vaccine will continue to be administered four weeks apart.

Currently, the monkeypox vaccine is available to the following:

• People who were exposed to someone with confirmed monkeypox and do not have symptoms.
• People who attended an event/venue where there was high risk of exposure to someone with confirmed monkeypox.
• Gay or bisexual men and transgender persons who are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• Gay or bisexual men and transgender people who attended saunas, bathhouses, sex clubs, circuit parties or sex parties where they had anonymous sex or sex with multiple partners.
• Gay or bisexual men and transgender people with a diagnosis of gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past 12 months.
• Gay or bisexual men and transgender people who had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days including engaging in survival and/or transactional sex (e.g., sex in exchange for shelter, food and other goods and needs).
• Residents who are immunocompromised, including those with advanced or uncontrolled HIV, who may be at high risk for severe disease.
• People experiencing homelessness with high-risk behaviors.

As of today, there are 50 confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox in Long Beach. At least one has required hospitalization, and all others are either isolating and recovering at home or have recovered.

The City has been working diligently in its response to monkeypox and has been working closely with healthcare providers in the community, including sexual health clinics and LGBTQ+ centers, to provide vaccine, 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.

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

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