By Derek Johnson-Dean, Executive Director, Minneapolis MPX Taskforce (MPLSpox)
Vaccination Policy Change at Red Door, St. Cloud Pride, Community Forum
Red Door Clinic has changed eligibility requirements for MPX vaccinations:
- You are HIV positive.
Are on PrEP or qualify for PrEP (qualifications vary by clinic)Have had more than one sexual/intimate partner in the last two weeks.- Have had casual or sexual contact with someone with a diagnosis of Monkeypox. This includes members of your immediate household.
- If you are a person who has sex with gay, bi, trans men, or non-binary persons
The Minnesota Department of Health has not changed its eligibility requirements, which include the requirement of more than 1 partner in 14 days and/or on PrEP. I called Clinic 555 during business to inquire about their eligibility requirements but their phone system kept disconnecting the call. I’ll try again tomorrow.
Vaccinations and St. Cloud Pride
The good news is that the vaccination supply has increased due to a change in how dosages are given, which allows each container to have five doses, instead of just one. (See Intradermal Vs. Subcutaneous Vaccination, under vaccinations.) Also, additional shipments of vaccines were received by the MN Department of Health from the federal government.
Post St. Cloud Pride Vaccination Clinic:
We were unsuccessful in our attempts to have vaccinations in the park this weekend; however, CentraCare in St. Cloud and MPLSpox are co-hosting a Post St. Cloud Pride Monkeypox Vaccination Event to be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Stop by our booths next to the restrooms and bouncy house.
MPLSpox Vaccination Clinics:
Fairview M Health had planned to provide MPX vaccinations at St. Cloud Pride, but because the JYNNEOS vaccine is so new to clinics outside of a few in the metro area, they required additional training. That said, Fairview is very eager to help MPLSpox plan Community Vaccination Clinics. I explained that MPLSpox exists to assist all individuals who are eligible for vaccinations to gain access. However, I am committed to addressing the disparities in access to vaccinations, treatment, and testing. African-Americans and Latinx persons are disproportionally impacted by MPX. The data in MN shows that Latinx are exceeding 20% of the confirmed MPX cases and growing. African-Americans represent 18% of confirmed cases. Fairview M Health is committed to helping MPLSpox bring vaccinations to all individuals at risk and eligible for vaccinations. Some people of color, women, and LGBTQ individuals who have had neglective, or other bad experiences with the healthcare system can be hesitant to trust the healthcare system.
If you have a group or an event of individuals eligible for MPX vaccination and would like help facilitating a vaccination clinic we can help you get started. Contact us at: info@mplspox.com, or text or call: 612-424-2231. Let us know that you’re interested in hosting a vaccination clinic and we’ll do our best to co-host or help you contact the MN Department of Health to schedule your own. MPLSpox does not need to be the gatekeeper to this process, but we’re happy to help facilitate any way that we (I) can.
Community Forum: Sorting Myths and Facts
I was waiting for an opportunity to engage the Twin Cities Community, at least those of us that are working with, or concerned about MPX. Being the impatient person that I am, I took matters into my own hands.
The Minneapolis MPX Taskforce is hosting a Zoom Community Forum on:
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 7-8:30p
Forum Panelists
- Keith Henry, MD, Physician, Infectious Diseases
- Luisa Pessoa-Brandao, Manager, Epidemiology, Research, Evaluation, and Emergency Preparedness, Minneapolis Health Department
- Patrick Ingram, Community Health Specialist, Red Door Clinical Services
- Pam Layton, Nurse Practitioner, Red Door Clinical Services
- Moderator: Derek Johnson-Dean, Executive Director, Minneapolis MPX Taskforce
Objectives of Community Forum
- Learn about cases of MPX in MN
- Answer frequently asked questions
- What to do if you think you have an exposure
- Ways to prevent and/or reduce your risk
- Who is eligible for MPX vaccinations
- Suggestions for symptom management
- Discuss the health disparities in MPX testing, vaccination, and treatment
This is your opportunity to hear from, and ask questions of, MPX experts in the Twin Cities.
How to Register?
Please use this link to RSVP if you would like to attend the forum as a viewer. You will receive a confirmation with Zoom login information.
These are incredible panelists, all of whom are involved in some capacity with the MPX response in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Despite their busy schedules they’ve agreed to work late on Wednesday to answer our questions. These are not just professionals, most are people I’ve worked with for 10-20 years. I trust their judgment and consider them my colleagues and friends. Be sure to use the link about to RSVP.
That’s it from me for now. Hope to see you in St. Cloud or over Zoom next week.
There is no way all of this could be done without the volunteers, board members, and advisors. I owe you all a HUGE thanks to you all.
If you have questions for MPLSpox or myself please e-mail info@mplspox.com or call/text 612-424-2231.
Derek Johnson-Dean
Instagram: djohnsondean
Facebook: derek.johnsondean
twitter: twitter.com/djohnsondean
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