Is there a vaccine for mpox? Who can get the shot and where? How to find it in Florida

Should you get an mpox vaccine? The World Health Organization this month declared a global health emergency for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, as scientists monitor a more contagious form of the virus that is spreading across Africa, with at least one reported case in Sweden.

While mpox cases have been reported in Florida and other parts of the country, none of the confirmed cases are linked to the type of mpox—clade I—that's endemic in Central Africa and has officials on alert, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. cases stem from clade II, a type of mpox that tends to cause less severe infections, and the country's risk for clade I infections is low, according to the CDC.

Public health experts are still recommending people considered to be most at risk for severe infection, such as those with conditions that make them immunocompromised, speak with their doctor about possible precautions.

And unlike COVID-19, when the world had to wait for a vaccine to be made, a vaccine for mpox, called Jynneos, already exists and has predominantly been used in the country since a 2022 outbreak, according to the CDC.

Another vaccine, ACAM2000, is an older vaccine that was designed to prevent smallpox but can also be used to prevent mpox, which is in the same virus family. But this vaccine tends to cause more side effects and has not been used for the mpox outbreak that began in 2022, according to the CDC.

So, who can get Jynneos? Here's what to know:

Who should get the mpox vaccine?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare disease similar to smallpox, although usually milder and less fatal. It can spread through intimate contact, such as kissing and sex, by direct contact with rash and body fluids, or by touching contaminated objects, such as clothing and bedding.

This is the second time in two years that the World Health Organization has declared a global public health emergency for mpox.

While anyone can get mpox, public health experts are recommending people who were exposed to someone with the virus or are at high risk of exposure to get vaccinated. The CDC's most recent vaccination recommendations, which were updated in April 2024, states that you should consider vaccination if:

• Exposed or potentially exposed to someone with mpox
• Have more than one sex partner
• Had a sex partner in the past two weeks who was diagnosed with mpox
• Your job may expose you to the disease, such as certain health care and laboratory workers
• In the past six months you had sex at "commercial sex venue" such as a sex club or bathhouse or had sex during a large event or in an area where mpox transmission was known to be occurring.
• You are gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, gender-diverse or are a man who has sex with men and in the past six months had more then one sex partner or had a new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections.

The CDC also recommends getting vaccinated if you expect to experience any of the above scenarios or have a sex partner with any of the above risks. While anyone can get mpox, some people are more at risk then others for severe illness, including people diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or other medical conditions that severely weakens their immune system. Speak with your doctor about your risk level and whether you should get vaccinated.

Is the mpox vaccine covered by insurance?

The Jynneos vaccine is covered under Medicare and Medicaid and may be covered by some health insurance plans, according to the CDC. Health departments, community health centers and other health providers may offer free shots to eligible patients.

How to find an mpox vaccine site near you

The CDC has an online portal you can use to find an mpox vaccine site near you by ZIP Code and whether appointments are needed. To search for a vaccine sit near you, visit mpoxvaccine.cdc.gov

What is the Jynneos vaccine?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Jynneos vaccine in 2019 to help prevent mpox and smallpox in people 18 and older who are considered to be at high risk for infection.

The shots can also be given to kids under 18 that are considered to be high risk for mpox exposure under an emergency use authorization the FDA granted in August 2022. Some health departments may have stricter or more specific eligibility guidelines on who can get the vaccine.

Jynneos requires two shots, given four weeks apart. People are considered fully vaccinated about two weeks after their second shot.

Jynneos is made with a non-replicating live virus, which makes it a better option for people with weaker immune systems, who are pregnant or have other health conditions, according to the CDC. It's also safe for people with HIV and atopic dermatitis, CDC said.

How effective is the mpox vaccine? What are the common side effects?

"Recent studies of the 2022 US mpox outbreak have estimated that the effectiveness of the Jynneos vaccine in preventing mpox disease was 35% to 75% after one dose and 66% to 85% after two doses," according to a 2023 patient page by JAMA.

"Therefore, although one dose provides some protection against mpox, two doses of vaccine are recommended. In addition, if mpox infection develops after vaccination, the symptoms may be less severe than without vaccination."

Common side effects include redness or irritation in the injection site, fatigue, headache and body aches, according to JAMA.

"Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and chicken or egg should discuss with their clinician whether they can safely receive the vaccine," the website states. "Individuals who have a severe allergic reaction to the first dose should not get another dose of Jynneous vaccine."

If you have questions about the vaccine, including eligibility, speak with your doctor. And remember, if you do get vaccinated, there are still preventive steps you should take to reduce your risk of falling ill with mpox.

2024 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.