What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare illness caused by a virus that is related to the smallpox virus. While generally less severe and much less infectious than smallpox, monkeypox can be a serious illness. It causes fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort, exhaustion, and severe rash. The illness lasts 2-4 weeks.
How does it spread?
The virus is not easily spread between people, but it can spread through contact with bodily fluids as well as through large respiratory droplets that do not travel more than a few feet.
Why is it recommended?
Vaccines can be used to help prevent symptoms when given before exposure for those that qualify and/or who may be at higher risk.
Who should get vaccinated?
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and/or transgender individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria:
• have tested positive for an STI in the past two months
• had 2+ sexual partners in the last 3 weeks
• attended or worked at a commercial sex venue in the last 3 weeks
• had anonymous sex in past 3 weeks
• engaged in transactional sex (sex work) in the past 3 weeks
What vaccine is used?
JYNNEOS is a vaccine indicated for prevention of monkeypox disease. It is administered as two subcutaneous injections four weeks apart. People who receive JYNNEOS are not considered vaccinated until 2 weeks after they receive the second dose of the vaccine.
Is the vaccine effective?
Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox. Experts also believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe.
Will I have side effects?
Most people who get the monkeypox vaccine have only minor reactions, like mild fever, tiredness, swollen glands, and redness and itching at the place where the vaccine is given.