Overview
- Mpox is a rash illness caused by a virus that is typically spread by close skin-to-skin contact, often sexual contact, with the rash of an infected person. Anyone can be infected by the mpox virus through close or intimate contact. There are two types of mpox, clade I and clade II.
- The outbreak of clade II mpox that began in 2022 in the United States continues to circulate at low levels among men who have sex with men, and transgender or nonbinary people and their sexual partners in geographic areas where mpox cases are occurring.
- People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, mouth or in the genital area. The rash may look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. The rash may go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- People with mpox may also have a fever, chills, body aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, headache, or sore throat, runny nose, or cough.
- Most people with mpox recover completely within 2 to 4 weeks without medical treatment. Some people, especially those with a weakened immune system, may develop more severe illness and need hospitalization and treatment. Severe cases may be fatal.
- A vaccine is recommended by CDC for people age 18 years or older who are at increased risk of close contact with someone infected with the mpox virus. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if you need this vaccine.
- International Travel: Vaccination is recommended when travelers plan to participate in activities that may put them at risk of exposure to this virus, regardless of where they plan to travel. A healthcare provider can help decide if mpox vaccination is recommended.
Mpox Vaccine Schedule
Jynneos (mpox vaccine) is administered as a two-dose series, 4 weeks apart. It is important to get both doses for the best protection against mpox. Jynneos is recommended for adults 18 years of age or older who have risk factors for mpox infection. Risk factors currently include being a man who has sex with men, or a transgender or nonbinary person who, in the last 6 months, has had one of the following (or who anticipates experiencing any of the following): a new diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease, more than one sex partner, sex at a commercial sex venue, sex in association with a large public event in a region where mpox transmission is occurring. Sexual partners of people with these risks also should be vaccinated.
Partner Resources
General
Find information about signs and symptoms of mpox, mpox vaccine, and other ways to protect yourself from infection.
Read about the mpox vaccine and who should get it.
Questions and answers about mpox disease and vaccines from the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Questions and answers about mpox disease and vaccines, including information on pregnancy.
Basic mpox information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Travel
Learn about mpox outbreaks throughout the world, current travel health notices, things to consider before traveling to an area with mpox spread, and steps to take if you get sick with mpox during or after travel.
Find health and vaccine information by selecting any country.
Search for public health and private clinics that administer travel vaccines. This list may not include all locations that provide travel vaccines.
Facilities that administer yellow fever vaccine are authorized to issue an International Certificate of Vaccination (the “yellow card”) to meet requirements for proof of yellow fever vaccination. These facilities typically offer a wide range of vaccines travelers may need.
People of any age can feel a bit anxious about getting a shot. Some may be so anxious that they avoid vaccination…even when they know it’s important. Learn more about simple ways to help any child or adult feel better and more confident when getting vaccinated.