Division of Communicable Disease Control

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health!

Include sexual health as a part of your routine health care.

Protect yourself by getting both doses of the mpox vaccine!

Vaccination is recommended to protect Californians who may be at risk for mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). The vaccine is safe and effective at preventing mpox infection and severe mpox illness. Studies show that a single vaccine dose can lower your risk of getting mpox by up to 75%. Two doses can lower your risk up to 89%. For more information about the vaccine, see CDC Mpox Vaccination and CDPH Mpox Q&A.

Mpox has been in the U.S. since 2022 and continues to circulate in California. To learn more about mpox, see CDPH Mpox.

Who can get the mpox vaccine?

Anyone who may be at risk for mpox exposure can receive the vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for people more likely to get very sick from mpox infections. This includes people with HIV, or who have other immunosuppression or significant skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis). For more information, see CDC Mpox Vaccination.*

The mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) is given as two (2) doses at least four (4) weeks apart. If it has been more than 4 weeks since your first dose, get the second dose as soon as possible for the most protection. The vaccine may also prevent mpox if given shortly after an exposure before symptoms develop.

*At this time, there are no changes to the CDC vaccine recommendations from the ongoing clade I mpox outbreak in Africa. People who have already received both vaccine doses or who have already had mpox infection are not recommended to get additional mpox vaccines. The vaccine is not recommended for people who already have mpox symptoms.

How to find a vaccination provider near you that fits your schedule and needs:

Ask your health care provider
Check with your local pharmacy (e.g., CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens)
Contact your local health department
Make an appointment on My Turn, California’s vaccine appointment site

How do I pay for the mpox vaccine?

Most health insurance plans should cover the mpox vaccine for eligible adults. This includes Medi-Cal, Medicare, private/commercial insurance, Veterans Affairs Health Care, and Tricare.

It is possible the vaccine is not yet covered by your health plan. Most private health insurance will be required to cover mpox vaccination beginning January 1, 2025. If you have health insurance, contact your health plan to find out if they cover the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS). This is usually done by calling the member services phone number on the back of your insurance card.

To find out if you are eligible for insurance coverage under Medi-Cal or Covered California, visit Covered California. Covered California allows Californians to apply for a health insurance plan. The plan’s cost is based on your income. The same application is used to apply for Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) if you are eligible.

Individuals may be able to apply for insurance immediately if they have recently experienced a major life change—see Covered California: Qualifying Life Events for more information.
During open enrollment, anyone may apply for insurance plans through the state marketplace. Open enrollment begins November 1, 2024 and ends on January 31, 2025.

To apply for Covered California:

Apply online at www.coveredca.com, or
Call 1-800-300-1506 to speak with a representative, or
Make an appointment at a Covered California enrollment site near you

Other programs or plans may cover the vaccine cost for people who are eligible, including:

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)
PrEP-AP helps Californians who are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections get access to medical care and services to prevent HIV infection. JYNNEOS vaccine is a covered service for people enrolled in this program. For more information on who can apply, see CDPH PrEP Assistance Program: Eligibility Criteria.

To apply for PrEP-AP:

Schedule an appointment at a certified PrEP-AP enrollment site near you, or
Contact the ADAP call center at (844) 421-7050, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM (excluding holidays)

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
ADAP helps ensure that Californians living with HIV and AIDS, who are uninsured or under-insured, have access to their prescribed medications. JYNNEOS vaccine is a covered service for people enrolled in this program. For more information on who can apply, see CDPH AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Eligibility Criteria.

To apply for ADAP:

Schedule an appointment at a certified ADAP enrollment site near you or
Contact the ADAP call center at (844) 421-7050, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM (excluding holidays)