While monkeypox infections have been declining, local health officials are still encouraging folks to get the vaccination — especially their second doses. This weekend, at SOMA Second Saturdays, there will be another opportunity to get vaccinated.
The Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District in the South of Market neighborhood, along with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, will hold another MPX vaccine pop-up from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 8, at Eagle Plaza on 12th Street, between Folsom and Harrison streets. Flu and COVID vaccinations will be available, as well. (Two doses of the Jynneos vaccine for MPX are needed, generally administered a month apart.)
SOMA Second Saturdays features local queer and kinky artisans and craftspeople. There will also be a beer bust at the Eagle, organizers stated. The afternoon event is co-sponsored by the leather district, Folsom Street, and the SOMA West Community Benefit District.
DPH has been actively encouraging folks who have already gotten their first MPX vaccination to go ahead and get their second shot, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. As Tyler TerMeer, Ph.D., CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation told the B.A.R., while the numbers of those who have gotten the first shots are gratifyingly high, the vast majority have not returned for their second shot, which is necessary for the fullest protection.
"I have some level of concern as I look at this lower uptake of people getting the second dose," said TerMeer, a gay man. "I worry about the possibilities of reinfection. We have not seen much around the country, but there have been cases of people being symptomatic."
Leather district manager Cal Callahan said that those who got their MPX shots at one of the district's vaccination clinics back in early September now are eligible for their second shots. To book an appointment, click here.
In other leather district news, its LeatherWalk is rescheduled for Saturday, October 15, the same day as the second annual Bearrison Street Fair. (The LeatherWalk was to have been held September 18 but was rained out.) The street fair takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at Harrison and 11th streets. For more information about Bearrison, click here.
Help keep the Bay Area Reporter going in these tough times. To support local, independent, LGBTQ journalism, consider becoming a BAR member.