The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) is issuing an important health recommendation for former clients of VIP Beauty Salon and Spa, also known as Vip Spa, formerly located at 809 Tijeras Avenue, NW Suite B, Albuquerque, N.M. If you received injection-related services at VIP Spa, including vampire facials or Botox injections, it is crucial to get tested for blood-borne infections. The DOH strongly advises visiting the South Valley Public Health office in Albuquerque for free and confidential lab testing and counseling for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Even if you have previously tested negative, retesting is recommended for all former VIP Spa clients who received these services.

Dr. Laura Parajon, deputy secretary for DOH, emphasizes the urgency of this health alert: “It’s very important that we spread the word and remind people who received any kind of injection-related services at the VIP Spa to come in for free and confidential testing.”

This health recommendation follows a 2023 report from the DOH Infectious Disease Bureau concerning a new HIV diagnosis. The individual’s only self-reported risk factor for HIV exposure was a vampire facial received at VIP Spa in Albuquerque, N.M., in 2018.

Following the identification of this new HIV case linked to VIP Spa, the DOH has reopened its investigation. As of July 5, 2023, further investigation has identified additional HIV infections with direct or indirect connections to services provided at VIP Spa.

VIP Spa was closed on September 7, 2018, after a joint inspection by the DOH and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Barbers and Cosmetologists Board. This inspection revealed practices at VIP Spa that could potentially spread blood-borne infections, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, to clients. During the initial investigation in 2018 and 2019, over 100 former clients were tested. Subsequently, in June 2022, the owner of the spa pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license.

To facilitate easy access to testing, NMDOH is hosting three walk-in free testing events specifically for former VIP Spa clients. These events will be held at the South Valley Public Health office, located at 2001 El Centro Familiar SW off Isleta Blvd SW south of Arenal Road SW. No appointment is necessary for these events:

• Friday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
• Tuesday, July 18, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

In addition to these special events, all public health offices offer free HIV, hepatitis, and STD testing. Former clients of VIP Spa can also call (505) 479-2164, Monday through Friday, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. for testing information. For general questions, people can call 833-76-REPRO (833-767-3776) between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Confidential messages can be left after hours. For alternative HIV, STD, and hepatitis testing locations, please visit www.nmhivguide.org.