The Louisiana Department of Health in Public Health Area 9 (North Shore) has monkeypox vaccine available at parish health units (PHUs).

As of September 14, Louisiana has confirmed 217 cases of monkeypox among Louisiana residents since the 2022 monkeypox epidemic in the United States. In the North Shore region, he has 11 confirmed cases so far.

“The most effective public health action that at-risk people can take to protect themselves from monkeypox is vaccination,” said Dr Gina Lagarde, Regional 9 Medical Director. I’m here. “Monkeypox vaccine is available at the parish health unit. Call to make an appointment.”

Those who meet vaccine eligibility are encouraged to call the PHU phone number below or call 211 to make an appointment at one of the following locations:

• Tangipahoa Parish Health Unit, 15481 W. Club Deluxe Road, Hammond, 985-543-4165
• Livingston Parish Health Unit, 20399 Government Blvd., Livingston, 225-686-7017
• Washington Parish Health Unit, 626 Carolina Ave. Bogalusa, 985-732-6615

Vaccine eligibility

As of August 31, 2022, the expanded criteria for vaccination will include Louisiana people who meet any of the following:

• Gay/bisexual men or transgender people who are sexually active with multiple partners
• People at high risk of contracting monkeypox. This includes, but is not limited to, people who:
  • HIV-positive or taking medication to prevent HIV infection (PrEP)
  • experiencing homelessness
  • use drops
  • Giving or receiving money or goods in exchange for sex
  • Having skin-to-skin contact with others in social or sexual settings
  • Work in facilities where sexual or intimate activities take place (e.g. public baths, saunas, sex clubs, hotels)
• Clinicians or laboratory staff at high risk of occupational exposure
• People judged to be at high risk by a health care provider or public health authority

Although not new, monkeypox is a potentially serious viral disease caused by a virus not commonly found in the United States and is spread by close physical contact. The disease can present as painful rashes that look like bumps, blisters, or ulcers on the skin. Some people have a flu-like illness before the rash appears.

Early data suggests that homosexuals, bisexuals, homosexuals, and other men who have sex with men make up a large number of cases, according to the CDC. However, anyone who has had close personal contact with a monkeypox patient can become infected, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

monkeypox guidance

If you test positive for monkeypox, isolate yourself until the rash has healed, all the scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of intact skin has formed.