As the Atlanta Pride festival looms right on the horizon, scheduled for October 12 – 13, a prominent national specialist in LGBTQ health dispensed valuable advice on healthcare for preserving the wellbeing of the community now and long-term. In addition to that, the Fulton County Board of Health is set to provide vaccinations at Piedmont Park during this two-day event. In the list of vaccinations on offer is one for Monkey Pox (Mpox).
In the recent past, Georgia has seen more than double the number of Mpox cases compared to last year around this time. The CDC has expressed concern over the escalating number of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, describing the outbreak as a potential global threat. Mpox is a viral disease that can be spread via close or intimate contact but, thankfully, can be averted with a vaccine, which is more readily available currently than before. Despite this, the overall national vaccination rates are disappointingly low, the latest figures from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate fewer than a quarter of those at risk have been fully vaccinated.
Brian Hujdich, the Executive Director of the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health, believes that the optimum way to safeguard yourself and others against the substantial threat of Mpox is through vaccination. Hujdich said and assured that additional information regarding safeguards against Mpox, HIV, STDs, and other methods to maintain good health would be made available.
According to Hujdich, the National Coalition for LGBTQ health has been encouraging the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the LGBTQ+ Black community, to keep pace with the current status of Mpox cases and rates, given the disproportionate impact it has had on the Black community.
Hujdich expressed his concern that people might be worn out from dealing with various virus strains and outbreaks leading to information overloads. He stressed on making the process as seamless as possible for everyone, focusing on where they can get vaccinated or determine where they can get tested.
If the present direction is maintained, Hujdich believes things will likely look better and conveyed his worries regarding contradictory messages from individuals who dismiss vaccination or disregard scientific evidence. He further added that providing impartial, trustworthy information for people to stay informed and get accurate facts to decide their course of action is of utmost importance.
Regarding individuals who remain undecided or are averse to getting vaccinated, Hujdich suggests that examining the available data might help them rethink. Noting the potential occurrences and the success rate of vaccinations might help them realize that they are not invincible.
As celebrants prepare to join the Atlanta Pride festival, keeping these health points in mind can prove beneficial to both the individual and the community. With a potential global health threat like Mpox making its presence felt, proactive measures like vaccination can go a long way in ensuring that the festivities continue unabated and everyone stays healthy. Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it could be the key to your health and happiness.
