Raleigh, North Carolina – In the face of rising sexually transmitted infection rates, the Wake County Health Department is hosting a health fair this Saturday, August 26.
During the event, “monkeypox” or “monkeypox” vaccines and tests for HIV and STIs will be provided free of charge.
No appointment, payment, health or social insurance are required to receive services, but clients are encouraged to bring photo ID.
The Health Fair will be held at Clinic E within the Wake County Public Health Center (10 Raleigh Sunnybrook Rd.) from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
protect your health
The county health department advises applicants to register for the monkeypox vaccine in advance so that doses can be reserved for them.
Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings said, “Getting the mpox vaccine and getting tested for HIV and STIs is an easy step that can help protect your health and the health of others in your life .”
“For those who test positive, we have staff and services to help them start treatment quickly and learn how to prevent future infections,” he added.
In addition to immunizations and testing, anyone attending the health fair will be able to learn about other programs offered by the Wake County Department of Health and Human Services.
Increase in sexually transmitted infections and syphilis
Nationwide, including in Wake County, there has been an increase in sexually transmitted infections, including cases of syphilis, according to a statement from health authorities.
In 2022, health officials documented a total of 408 early syphilis cases in Wake County, compared to 250 in 2018, a 63% increase. In terms of HIV infection, 148 new cases were reported in 2022, while gonorrhea cases rose to 2,412 during the same period. These figures contrast sharply with those registered in 2018, when 113 HIV cases and 2,147 gonorrhea cases were recorded.
suggestion
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once a year.
It is part of routine medical care and may need to be tested more frequently for people with certain risk factors.
“HIV testing can provide you with vital information and help keep you and others safe. It’s fast, confidential and free,” they wrote.
Testing available 5 days a week
For those unable to attend Saturday’s event, testing for HIV, hepatitis C and other STIs is available through Wake County Public Health anytime, five days a week, with some walk-in and evening clinic options.
Visit wake.gov/HIVSTD for more information.