Vaccination

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If You're at High Risk for Mpox, Get Vaccinated!

VDH recommends the mpox vaccine for people who are at high risk of exposure to mpox. VDH also recommends the mpox vaccine for people who were exposed. If you think you are eligible, get vaccinated right away.

 

 

Find an Mpox Vaccine Near You

About the Mpox Vaccine

Should I get the mpox vaccine?

VDH recommends vaccination for those who are at high risk of exposure to mpox or have been exposed to mpox. Please visit the CDC’s website to learn more about who should get the mpox vaccine. 

The CDC also has a vaccine locator tool to help you find a vaccine near you.

There is no cost to receive the vaccine, regardless of insurance status.

For more information and videos on mpox and the vaccine, you can visit the Greater Than Mpox webpage.

Vaccination is not a treatment for mpox. If you think you are sick with mpox, contact your healthcare provider to discuss testing and treatment options.

 

What vaccine will I receive?

JYNNEOS is the two-dose vaccine used for the prevention of mpox. The second dose is given 28 days after the first dose. Recent studies show that this vaccine is effective at preventing mpox. For more information about what to expect when receiving the JYNNEOS vaccine, visit the CDC’s website.

It is important to get both doses of vaccine for the best protection against mpox. Even if it has been longer than 28 days since you received the first dose, it is not too late to get the second dose. You don't have to restart the vaccination series.

How will I get my vaccine?

If you are eligible to get the vaccine, you can get the vaccine between the layers of the skin in your forearm. This type of vaccine is an intradermal vaccination. If you don’t want the vaccine given in your forearm, you can ask to get it in the skin of your upper back or shoulder instead. 

You can also get a subcutaneous vaccination, which means the vaccine is injected into the fatty tissue of your upper arm.  

You might consider asking for a subcutaneous vaccination if: 

  • You get keloid scars or 
  • You are younger than 18 years of age 

Some people might also worry about stigma when they get an intradermal vaccine. If so, you can ask for a subcutaneous vaccine.  People aged 18 years and older can talk with their provider about which type of vaccine (intradermal or subcutaneous) they prefer to get. 

It is helpful to wear loose-fitting clothing and to make sure that the vaccine site is easy to access. Your provider might ask you to wait 15 minutes to observe you for reactions. 

You may be able to receive your COVID-19 or flu shot at the same visit. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are available and recommended for you. In some cases, a person might wait 4 weeks between getting the COVID-19 and JYNNEOS vaccines. 

What do I do after I’ve received the vaccine?

The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two dose vaccine with 28 days between doses. The vaccine begins to protect you 14 days after your second dose (about 6 weeks after your first dose). You should continue to take precautions against mpox between doses.

It is important to get both doses of vaccine for the best protection against mpox. Even if it has been longer than 28 days since you received the first dose, it is not too late to get the second dose. You don't have to restart the vaccination series.

It is possible to get sick with mpox after vaccination. But after vaccination, you are less likely to be severely sick or be hospitalized. Getting vaccinated is still very important. CDC offers more information about mpox infections after vaccination.

Reduce your risk of getting sick by continuing to protect yourself after vaccination. This means avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have an mpox rash. For more information about mpox vaccines and other prevention measures, please visit the CDC Prevention website.

For a record of your mpox vaccination, visit the mpox record request portal.

Last updated: February 29, 2024

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VDH MPox Bot