While the risk of mpox (previously known as monkeypox) to most people remains low, the mpox vaccine is available for San Diego residents who are at risk.
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been in close contact with people who have monkeypox. Currently, this outbreak is mostly affecting gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. People who may be eligible for vaccination include:
- People who had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox.
- People who had a sex partner in the past two weeks who was diagnosed with mpox.
- Gay, bisexual, and other MSM, and transgender or nonbinary people (including adolescents who fall into any of these categories) who, in the past six months, have had:
- A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis).
- More than one sex partner.
- People who have had any of the following in the past six months:
- Sex at a commercial sex venue.
- Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring.
- Sex in exchange for money or other items.
- People who are sex partners of people with the above risks.
- People who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios.
- People with HIV infection or other causes of immunosuppression who have had recent or anticipate potential mpox exposure.
Schedule an appointment if you think you have been exposed to monkeypox or are at high risk for exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is mpox?
+Mpox is a viral disease. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters
Q How is mpox spread?
+Mpox is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Kissing
- Cuddling
- Sex
- Direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, body fluids – this includes sharing utensils or articles of clothing
Q Who should get vaccinated?
+- People who had multiple sexual partners in the last 14 days
- People who had a known exposure to someone with confirmed mpox in the last 14 days
- Men who have sex with men
The vaccine is administered in two doses four weeks apart. You’ll be considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose.
Q What should you do if you think you have mpox?
+- See a health care provider if you notice a new or unexplained rash or other mpox symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with other people and pets.
- If your test result is positive, stay isolated until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
Q Is there a treatment for mpox?
+A health care provider may prescribe antivirals to treat mpox infections if you are more likely to get severely ill due to another health condition, such as immune suppression.
