If You're at Risk for Mpox, Get Vaccinated!
People who are at risk of exposure to mpox. or have been exposed to mpox are eligible for the mpox vaccine. If you think you’re eligible, get vaccinated right away.
About the Vaccine
Vaccination is not a treatment for mpox. If you think you're sick with mpox, contact a healthcare provider to discuss testing and treatment options.
Should I get the vaccine?
If you think you’re eligible, now is the time to get your 2-dose mpox vaccine. The vaccine will prevent you from getting mpox or make your illness less severe if you do get mpox. Visit CDC’s website to learn more about who should get the mpox vaccine.
Where can I get the vaccine?
Vaccines are available for free at participating local health departments whether or not you have insurance.
If you have insurance and want to get the vaccine somewhere other than the health department, contact your insurance carrier first to determine the cost before getting the vaccine. You can use the CDC vaccine locator to help you find a vaccine near you.
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. It is important to get both doses of vaccine for the best protection against mpox.
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 person might wait 4 weeks between getting the COVID-19 and JYNNEOS vaccines.
For more information about what to expect when receiving the JYNNEOS vaccine, visit the CDC’s website.
It's important to get both doses 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?
You can get the vaccine in two different ways:
- Intradermal vaccination- means you will get the vaccine between the layers of the skin in your forearm. 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.
- Subcutaneous vaccination- means you will get the vaccine in the fatty tissue of your upper arm.
You might consider asking for a subcutaneous vaccination if:
- You get keloid scars (thick, raised scars) or
- You are younger than 18 years of age
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.
When will the vaccine start to work?
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 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 mpox 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: June 10, 2024
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