A local LGBTQ+ organization in Westchester is doing its part to help educate people and stop the spread of the monkeypox virus.

The LOFT has partnered with the Westchester County Health department to host a monkeypox vaccination clinic today.

Since all appointments were filled within hours of the announcement being made, the LOFT has added a second clinic on Thursday, August 4.

Anyone can get the monkeypox virus. But according to the World Health Organization, this latest outbreak, is predominantly spreading among gay and bisexual men. They say men who have sex with men are the group at the highest risk of infection right now.

The rare virus can cause flu like symptoms and in more serious cases a painful rash or lesions. It's mostly spread from skin to skin contact.

But the virus is treatable and health officials are encouraging those at highest risk to get the vaccine. "It's made its way into our community, and we're going to do everything we can to meet the needs of our community to make sure they have access to vaccines and information," says Judy Troilo, LOFT executive director.

The vaccine is only approved for those 18 and older and is given in 2 doses 28 days apart.

Westchester County currently has 32 active cases of monkeypox. That's the largest number in the state after New York City. "None of those individuals are in life threatening situations and all of them are in some level of being treated and recuperating," says Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

In order to get the vaccine, you must make an appointment.

Click here for more information.

For information about Westchester County’s drive-thru vaccine clinic, click here.