Public Health COVID-19 Reminders and Update on Monkey Pox

Is Your Protection Against COVID-19 Up to Date?

• Be sure that you’re fully vaccinated AND boosted!
• Everyone ages 5 and older should get a booster dose.
• If you’re 50+, two boosters are recommended.
• Don’t wait – find a convenient location at vaxfinder.mass.gov.

Did You Test Positive for COVID-19? Get Treatment!

If you are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 due to age or medical condition, be sure to seek treatment right away if you test positive and have symptoms. Several free medications are available. Learn more at Cambridgema.gov/freecovid19treatments.

An Update on Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus that until recently was rarely seen in the United States. Monkeypox cases were first reported in the U.S. this year in May, followed by additional cases reported over the summer. Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and is characterized by a rash with or without flu-like symptoms. Cambridge Public Health Department will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you think you have been exposed to monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider right away for information about vaccines and treatment.

Learn more at: cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox.