NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – State health care workers and volunteers completed a five-day effort to curb the monkeypox outbreak on Monday (September 5) as part of the Southern Decadence Festival and other holiday weekend events. Approximately 700 people in New Orleans were vaccinated.

More than a dozen state health care workers and volunteers worked throughout Labor Day weekend in an abandoned auditorium across from the French Quarter in Armstrong Park.

“I haven’t had time to do much with the Medical Reserve, but I try to help as much as I can,” said volunteer Chiemi Riedel.

Louisiana has been allocated an additional 6,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine by federal officials to slow the spread among its high-risk population.

“We are pleased to be able to serve not only Louisiana residents, but also those who have come here because they believe they are at increased risk of monkeypox,” said Teresa Sokol of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Based on data from Europe and the east coast of the United States, such vaccination events have proven effective in leveling off the number of new infections, Sokol said.

“This weekend we distributed[nearly 700]monkeypox vaccines, and there is also a COVID-19 vaccine available,” Sokol said.

Almost everyone is advised to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but recommendations for monkeypox are more limited.

“It’s now available to anyone who considers themselves at high risk, such as homosexuals or bisexuals, or who consider themselves sexually active with multiple partners,” Sokol said. .

People who have skin sores or rashes, or who are HIV-positive or homeless are also advised to be tested and vaccinated.

“Even if you get[the vaccine]within two weeks of exposure, it really helps reduce the severity of symptoms,” Sokol said.

Vaccination sites were closed Monday afternoon, but those still interested in getting vaccinated are encouraged to contact their city or state health department.

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