City requests strategy change in acquisition and distribution of Monkeypox vaccines
In an effort to ensure the threat of Monkeypox is mitigated in our communities, the City of Palm Springs is calling on the Center for Disease Control, (CDC), and the California Department of Public Health, (CDPH), to work quickly to shift their strategy in the acquisition and distribution of the vaccine in order to better meet demand.

Last week, Mayor Lisa Middleton sent a letter to Tomas Aragon, director of the California Department of Public Health, requesting that the CDC and CDPH accelerate the purchase of the vaccine and prioritize distribution first to communities already experiencing a high rate of incidents and second to communities with populations more likely to contract the disease.

Currently supplies of the vaccine are distributed in California on a population-based formula and extremely limited.

“It is imperative that the CDC and the CDPC work quickly to make these and any other necessary adjustments to better meet the demand for vaccines and ensure the threat of Monkeypox is mitigated in our communities,” said Middleton.

In addition, the City is working with GT Molecular to develop a process for testing Palm Springs wastewater for Monkeypox infections similar to the COVID-19 testing program currently underway.

“Our number one priority is ensuring the health and safety of our residents and visitors,” said Middleton. “We will do whatever we can to partner with scientists and healthcare professionals to ensure Palm Springs has the best data available to help keep our community safe.”