LA County’s monkeypox vaccine eligibility will be extended to people under the age of 18 who are at high risk of infection

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Los Angeles County on Thursday announced it would expand monkeypox vaccine eligibility to people under the age of 18 who are at high risk of infection.

LA County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said Thursday the county is expanding eligibility to include people under the age of 18 “who pose a high risk of monkeypox infection.”

All minors must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to be vaccinated. Anyone aged 16 or 17 should be accompanied to a vaccination center by a parent or legal guardian whenever possible, or they can simply present a signed consent form. People under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian to get vaccinated in addition to a signed informed consent form, Davis said.

Minors under the age of 18 are not eligible for intradermal injection, so they must receive the full subcutaneous dose under the terms of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved emergency use authorization for injections.

Health officials are stepping up efforts in Southern California and across the country as the monkeypox crisis mounts. In LA County, the number of cases has doubled in the past two weeks.

On Thursday, Los Angeles County reported 971 — not including Long Beach and Pasadena, which have their own health departments. Long Beach has reported 50 cases and Pasadena has reported 15 cases.

Meanwhile, Supervisor Hilda Solis announced the opening of the new immunization center at the Jack Crippen Senior Center at 3120 Tyler Ave. known in El Monte.

Depending on the availability of limited vaccine supplies, around 100 residents can be vaccinated at the new site on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Solis office said.

Residents must be pre-registered and have received a confirmation text to be vaccinated.

With more than 13,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox across the country, the White House monkeypox response team says it will ship 1.8 million doses next week.

The increase is made possible by the FDA-approved strategy of smaller, flat injected doses, increasing supply five-fold.

The Biden administration is also launching a new program aimed at making vaccines available at major Pride events that attract LGBTQ+ communities.

“Jurisdictions hosting these events may apply to receive additional vaccine allocations based on the size and nature of the event and the ability to reach attendees who are at highest risk of monkeypox,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said.

The administration is a prepositioning of doses of the antiviral treatment TPOXX for people who test positive.

dr Muntu Davis said vaccine providers are beginning to give second doses to those who received their first dose more than 28 days ago. He also issued guidance for those working in the massage and skin care industries to exercise caution when encountering clients with rashes, open sores and scabs.

The City News Service contributed to this report.