For Those at High Risk, Get Vaccinated!
The mpox vaccine is recommended for people who are at high risk of exposure to mpox or have been exposed. If you think you are eligible, get vaccinated right away.
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 wil get the vaccine between the layers of the skin in your forearm, also known as intradermal vaccination. If you don’t want the vaccine given in the skin of your forearm, ask to get it in the skin of your upper back or the skin of your shoulder instead.
People who get keloid scars and people younger than 18 years of age should get a subcutaneous vaccination. This means you will get the vaccine in the fatty tissue in your upper arm.
People concerned about getting an intradermal vaccine due to stigma or other personal reasons should ask for subcutaneous vaccination.
It is helpful to wear loose-fitting clothing and to make sure that the vaccine site is easy to access. You might be asked to wait 15 minutes after you receive the vaccine to be observed for reactions.
You may be able to also 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 COVID-19 vaccine may be delayed by 4 weeks if the JYNNEOS vaccine is given first.
What do I do after I’ve received the vaccine?
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two dose vaccine with 28 days between doses. You are considered protected 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.
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Last updated: July 26, 2023
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