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.
Both the County of San Diego and FHCSD have a limited supply of the mpox vaccine available.
Vaccines are distributed by the County of San Diego. Visit myturn.ca.gov to see if you are eligible and make an appointment. Due to limited supply, those with the greatest risk are being prioritized.
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been in close contact with people who have mpox. 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 have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with mpox
- People who know that one of their sexual partners in the last 14 days has been diagnosed with mpox
- People who had multiple sexual partners in the last 14 days
FHCSD has limited supply of mpox vaccine available to FHCSD patients at high risk. We can schedule an appointment for you in next one to three days if you think you have been exposed to mpox 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.
