What is the mpox vaccine?
JYNNEOS vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent both mpox and smallpox. CDC and CDPH recommend vaccination to people who may be
at risk for mpox and for certain people who have been exposed to mpox (e.g., recent partners, household members, and certain healthcare workers).āā
Vaccination is an important tool in preventing mpox and also provides protection against severe illness from mpox. See
CDPH Mpox Vaccinationā to find a vaccinating provider near you. āā
Who is currently recommended to receive the vaccine?
Any person who MAY be
at risk for mpox infectionā or who requests the vaccine may receive vaccination without having to report specific risk factors.
To prevent mpox after exposure: CDC recommends the mpox vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for unvaccinated persons promptly after certain types of exposure to mpox. The vaccine may prevent mpox infection if given within 4 days of exposure; if given 4-14 days after the exposure, the vaccine may prevent severe symptoms but may not prevent infection. See the
CDPH Vaccine page to find a vaccinating provider near you or call your local health department for assistance getting the vaccine after an exposure.
Routine prevention before possible exposure: CDC also
recommends preventive vaccination against mpox for individuals who may be at risk given their personal or partner(s) health history:
- Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse persons who:
- Have more than one sex partner or anticipating having more than one sex partner
or
- Have a recent diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis in the past 6 months
- Persons who, in the past 6 months, had or anticipate having sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse) or sex related to a large commercial event where mpox transmission may occur
- Persons who have a sex partner with any of the above risks or who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios
- Persons who are at risk for occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses (e.g., certain people who
work in a laboratory or a healthcare facility)
Noteā: Persons who have HIV, are immunosuppressed, or who have significant skin conditions (e.g., eczema) are at risk for more severe mpox illness. Vaccination may be particularly important for these persons if they experience or anticipate any of the above scenarios.
How can I get the vaccine?
See the
CDPH Mpox Vaccination page to find a vaccinating provider near you.
Healthcare providers and public health jurisdictions should refer to the CDPH Immunization Branch
EZIZ Mpox Vaccination Resourcesā for up-to-date information about JYNNEOS vaccine ordering, administration, and other resources.
How protected am I after getting the vaccine?
Mpox vaccination provides protection against severe illness resulting from mpox and most reported mpox infections have occurred in persons who are unvaccinated.
Reported infections are rare in fully vaccinated persons. Studies show that a single vaccine dose can lower your risk of getting mpox by 75% and that two doses can lower your risk up to 86% (CDC | JYNNEOS Vaccine Effectivenessā). Studies have also shown that if infections do occur, infections in vaccinated persons are less severe than infections in unvaccinated persons.
People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose. Vaccinated individuals are still recommended to consider additional measures to protect themselves from mpox, and to seek care for mpox testing if they have a rash or other symptoms. CDPH will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the JYNNEOS vaccine during the current outbreak.
What if I still need my second dose?
The second dose of JYNNEOS should be given at least 28 days after the first dose.āÆ If it has been more than 28 days since your first dose, you may still get the second dose to complete the vaccine series. However, a person who is diagnosed with mpox after their first dose of JYNNEOS should not receive a second dose at this time (unless they are immunocompromised).ā
When am I considered fully vaccinated?
Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after receiving their second dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine.
Who should NOT receive the vaccine?
Persons for whom mpox vaccine is not recommended:
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine or a component in the vaccineāÆ
- āPeople with mpox symptoms or persons who have tested positive for mpox
Talk with your provider if you have questions about getting the vaccine, are currently feeling ill/sick, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of allergic reaction to the gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, chicken, or egg protein. See CDC Mpox Vaccine Recommendationsā for more information.
Can I get the vaccine if I have a weakened immune system?
Yes. JYNNEOS vaccine is non-replicating so persons who are immunocompromised, including persons with HIV or AIDS, may receive the vaccine. People who are immunosuppressed are more at risk for severe disease and complications if they get infected with mpox.
What are the side effects?
Most people who get the JYNNEOS vaccine have minor reactions. These may include pain, redness, swelling, firmness, or itching where the shot was given, especially for intradermal injection (between layers of the skin). There may also be muscle pain, headaches, nausea, chills, or feeling tired. There is a small chance of fever. As with any medicine, there is a very small chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction.
What if I have a severe allergic reaction?
If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness), call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital. For other concerns, contact a health care provider. āāāā