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What is Mpox?Updated 2-20-24
  • Mpox is a contagious disease caused by an orthopoxvirus called mpox virus.
  • It is spread largely through close, sustained (including intimate or sexual contact) with an infected person. Vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. For more information about other ways to prevent mpox transmission, see Mpox Prevention and Guidance.
  • Symptoms include rash, chills, fever and swollen lymph nodes. For more information regarding symptoms, please see mpox symptoms or speak to your provider.
  • To view the weekly mpox cases in Los Angeles County, see summary data dashboard. Additional information about testing and treatment is available here.
Information for the Public
Vaccine Information
  • The JYNNEOS vaccine is FDA approved to prevent mpox disease in people aged 18 years and older. It is also available under FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) for people under aged 18 years.
  • The JYNNEOS vaccine has been used to protect against clade II mpox disease since the 2022-20223 global mpox outbreak and is expected to protect against clade 1 mpox which is predominantly circulating in Africa.
  • Persons at risk for mpox who have never had the disease are recommended to get vaccinated to protect against the disease.
  • JYNNEOS is a two-dose vaccine that can decrease risk of symptomatic disease and severe complications of disease. The effectiveness of 1 dose is 75% and 2 doses is 86% against disease.
  • Currently, there are no boosters or additional doses recommended.
  • It takes 14 days after getting the second dose of JYNNEOS to get the best immune response against mpox. But even getting one dose can provide some protection.
  • The vaccine can be given within 4 days of a possible exposure to mpox to help prevent infection. However, giving it 4 to 14 days after exposure may still provide some protection or make the symptoms less severe.
  • If someone already has mpox, the vaccine is not recommended as they will continue to have protection.
Vaccine Recommendations

Those at risk for or seeking additional protection from mpox infection are encouraged to get vaccinated. Anyone who requests vaccination can receive it in Los Angeles County without having to disclose information on personal risk.

Who should get the vaccine:
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the 2-dose JYNNEOS series to several populations and for different indications.

  • For pre-exposure vaccination of people at risk for occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses (as an alternative to ACAM2000).
  • For people aged 18 years and older at risk of mpox during an mpox outbreak:
    • CDC has determined that ongoing human-to-human transmission of clade I MPXV in Central and East Africa meets the criteria to be considered an outbreak and is issuing recommendations for vaccine use among travelers at increased risk of mpox exposure who are planning to travel to those specific countries.
    • Travelers to affected countries who anticipate the following activities should be offered vaccination with the 2-dose JYNNEOS series: sex with a new partner; sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., sex club or bathhouse); sex in exchange for money, good, drugs, or other trade; or sex in association with a large public event (e.g., rave, party, or festival).
  • For people aged 18 years and older with the following risks:
    • Gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men (MSM), or a person who has sex with gay, bisexual, or other MSM who in the past 6 months have had one of the following: a new diagnosis of ≥1 sexually transmitted disease; more than one sex partner; sex at a commercial sex venue; or sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring.
    • Sexual partners of people with the risks described above.
    • People who anticipate experiencing any of the above.

Currently, CDC does not recommend routine immunization against mpox for the general public. JYNNEOS is not recommended as a routine vaccination for healthcare personnel unless sexual risk factors are present. Recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are available for laboratory personnel and health care worker response teams who may be at risk for exposure to orthopoxviruses.

Who should NOT get the vaccine:

  • People with severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of JYNNEOS or one of its components (gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, chicken, or egg protein)
Where to get the Vaccine

If you have insurance, talk to your doctor or check with your local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. Most health insurances cover the cost of all recommended vaccines for children and adults.

If you are an uninsured or underinsured adult, you may be able to access JYNNEOS vaccine at no cost at select locations that carry the vaccine, including federally qualified health centers and public health sites. You can also access free vaccines at select Public Health sites while supplies last. You may also search MyTurn to locate a vaccine provider near you.

If you are an uninsured or underinsured child aged 18 years or younger, you may be eligible to receive vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program if you are:

  • Eligible for or are enrolled in Medi-Cal
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native
  • Uninsured (do not have health insurance)
  • Underinsured (private health insurance does not cover the full cost of vaccines)

Consent for Minors

  • At DPH vaccination sites that carry JYNNEOS vaccine (e.g., DPH Centers, multi-service vaccination sites, and mobile sites), minors between the ages of 12-17 years may consent to receiving the vaccine. Please refer to the DPH justification for more information. If you are younger than aged 18 years and plan to receive the vaccine at a non-DPH site, please contact the vaccine provider to learn about their requirements for parental consent.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a designated responsible adult with a signed consent form naming them.
Managing Your Immunization Records

If you are unsure of your mpox vaccination status or cannot locate your records, here are some options.

If you need official copies of your vaccine records, or if you need to update your personal records:

Additional Resources
Information for Providers
Clinical Presentation

For information on mpox clinical presentation, testing, treatment, reporting, and clinical consultation, please visit the LA County Public Health Mpox Resource Page for providers.

Vaccine Recommendations

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends vaccination for anyone at risk of mpox infection or seeking additional protection. Vaccination is available without disclosure of personal risk.

Details regarding the Mpox vaccine schedule, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and co-administration, can be found on CDC’s Interim Clinical Guidance Considerations for Use of Vaccine for Mpox Prevention in the United States webpage.

Mpox Vaccination & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Schedule:

Vaccine Administration Route Volume per Dose Number of Doses Schedule Use Notes
JYNNEOS
(Preferred)		 Subcutaneous (SC) 0.5 mL 2 doses 0 and 28 days Routine & PEP Licensed for individuals aged 18 and older. For those under 18, administration is via SC route under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
JYNNEOS Intradermal (ID) 0.1 mL 2 doses 0 and 28 days Routine & PEP Authorized under EUA for individuals aged 18 and older. Not recommended for those with a history of keloid scars; SC route is preferred in such cases.
ACAM2000 Percutaneous
(Scarification)		 0.0025 mL
(one drop)		 1 dose Single dose Routine & PEP (If JYNNEOS is unavailable) Contains live vaccinia virus that replicates in humans. Not recommended for immunocompromised individuals, those with certain skin conditions, or pregnant women due to higher risk of adverse effects. Not used in the current outbreak.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Guidance:

Exposure Risk Level Recommended
High or Intermediate Risk -Vaccination: Administer JYNNEOS as soon as possible, ideally within 4 days of exposure to prevent Mpox. If given between 4 to 14 days, vaccination may reduce symptoms but might not prevent the disease.
-Vaccine Details: Two doses of JYNNEOS (0.5 mL SC or 0.1 mL ID) given 28 days apart.
-Alternative Vaccine: ACAM2000 may be used if JYNNEOS is unavailable, but it has a higher risk of adverse effects and is not suitable for immunocompromised individuals.
Low or Uncertain Risk -Vaccination: Not routinely recommended.
-Action: Conduct an individual risk assessment to determine the need for PEP.

Additional Considerations:

  • Monitoring: Individuals exposed to Mpox should monitor for symptoms for 21 days post-exposure, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Consultation: Healthcare providers should consult public health authorities for exposure-specific guidance.

For full guidance, visit the CDC’s Mpox Vaccine Considerations.

Storage and Handling

Proper vaccine storage and handling practices play an important role. For general recommendations and guidance access the Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit.

Additional Resources

CDC Clinical Resources

JYNNEOSTM Vaccine Information



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    • Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.

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