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                              Immunization Information for You and Your Loved Ones
                              Vaccines by Disease
                              Mpox (Formerly Monkeypox)


    

    

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Mpox (Formerly Monkeypox)








  
  
    

  
      



Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by a virus related to the virus that causes smallpox. The two-dose Mpox vaccine helps protect against mpo.

Frequently Asked Questions
                        Why is the  mpox vaccine important?
    Mpox vaccine can protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. For the best protection, get both doses of the two-dose Mpox vaccine. For the best protection, get both doses of the two-dose Mpox vaccine. The second dose should be at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
      What is mpox?
    Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. This virus is part of the same family of viruses as the variola virus, which causes smallpox. Mpox and smallpox have similar symptoms, but mpox has milder symptoms and it is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.
      Who should get the mpox vaccine?
    CDC recommends getting the mpox vaccine if you:

Are a gay, bisexual, or other same-gender loving man who has sex with men or are transgender, gender non-binary, or gender-diverse
	Have had sexual or intimate contact with someone who may have mpoxAND if you, in the last 6 months, have had or expect to have:

One or more sexually transmitted infections
	A weakened immune system because of another illness, like HIV
	Sexual or intimate contact with a person who is at risk of mpox
	Anonymous sexual or intimate contact, or more than one sexual partner
      How long does it take for the vaccine to work?
    **Two doses provide the best protection. Get dose 1, wait 4 weeks, and then get dose 2. You will have maximum protection two weeks after your second dose.**

After vaccination, continue to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone with mpox and get the second dose four weeks after the first dose.
      Who should not get an mpox vaccine?
    You should not get the Mpox vaccine if you had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) after getting your first dose of the Mpox vaccine. You should take extra caution if you have had an allergic reaction to any vaccine. You may still be vaccinated with Mpox, but your provider may need to observe you for 30 minutes after you get vaccinated to ensure you don’t develop an allergic reaction.

Speak with your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics gentamicin or ciprofloxacin, or chicken or egg protein.
      What are the side effects of the mpox vaccine?
    Not everyone has side effects, but some people have side effects after Mpox vaccination. The most common side effects are pain, redness, and itching at the spot where you received the vaccine.

You might also experience the following symptoms, which mean your immune system is responding to the vaccine:

Fever
	Headache
	Tiredness
	Nausea
	Chills
	Muscle AchesWhen some people receive the mpox vaccine between the layers of the skin (intradermally*)*, they report less pain after vaccination but more side effects like itching, swelling, redness, thickening of the skin, and skin discoloration. Some of these side effects may last for several weeks. If you have concerns about receiving the vaccine intradermally, you can ask to get the vaccine underneath the skin on the back of your upper arm (subcutaneously).

The Mpox vaccine can reduce the risk of mpox disease, and two doses provide the best protection, regardless of where you receive the vaccine.
      Where can you get an mpox vaccine?
    Mpox vaccines may be available at your local health department, public health clinics, hospitals, or large social gatherings or venues in some large cities. Contact your local health department to find a vaccine in your community.
	Use the mpox vaccine locator to find an mpox vaccine site near you.
      How much does an mpox vaccine cost?
    Mpox vaccines are free at this time. Providers must give you the vaccine regardless of your ability to pay the administration fee.

Providers may bill a plan or program that covers the mpox vaccine administration fee (such as your private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid).
      Where can I get more information about the mpox vaccine?
    Find detailed information about recommended vaccines on Vaccine Information Statements (VISs).

Read the VIS for the mpox vaccine.

                    
  


Get Immunized

Getting immunized is easy. Vaccines and preventive antibodies are available at the doctor’s office or pharmacies — and are usually covered by insurance.

Find out how to get protected.







  Content created by Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) Content last reviewed October 3, 2023Back to top
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