Vaccination

Transmission

Most often, Mpox spreads from person to person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. This can happen during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Being vaccinated is a way to prevent Mpox by up to 85%. See our vaccination calculator to find on what date you will receive maximum immunity. If you are exposed to Mpox and receive the vaccine within 4 days, there is a lower chance of transmission. If you are vaccinated 4-14 days after exposure, it may not prevent transmission but it can reduce symptoms of mpox. It is still possible to get Mpox after being vaccinated, so continue to take precautions even if vaccinated.

Vaccinations

Who should be vaccinated?

  • If you have been exposed to Mpox.
  • If you are HIV positive.
  • If you are a man who has sex with men.
  • If you identify as transgender and/or non-binary.
  • If you are immunocompromised.
  • If you are on PrEP or qualify for PrEP (qualifications vary by clinic).
  • If you have had more than one sexual/intimate partners in the last 90 days.
  • If you have other kinds of sexual risk.

The full vaccination process requires two shots, a month apart. The vaccination (brand name JYNNEOS) will be given intradermally (under the skin) or subcutaneously (in the fat in the back of your arm). This is different than a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine which are given intramuscularly (in the muscle).

Where to Get Vaccinated

Minneapolis:

Saint Paul:

Saint Louis Park:

Stillwater:

Saint Cloud:

Duluth:

Visit Mpox Vaccine Locator for more locations! You may also request vaccination through your primary medical providers at HealthPartners, Allina, Sanford and Fairview health systems but your particular location may not have it readily available so make sure to check with your provider before scheduling.

Call us at 612-424-2231 if you need coaching on what to say to your providers.

Intradermal Vs. Subcutaneous Vaccination

On August 9th, 2022 the FDA issued an emergency use authorization to begin giving the Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) intradermally for people ages 18+ who do not have a history of keloid scarring. As of summer of 2023, both intradermal and subcutaneous have been found to be equally as effective and some clinics offer either option.

What is the difference between intradermal and subcutaneous vaccination?

  • Intradermal: A shallow injection that is injected just under the skin. It will create a bump (sometimes called a “wheal”) under the skin which indicates the injection was successful. The bump may cause some mild irritation or redness but will resolve. Don’t mess with or put pressure on the bump and allow it to heal on its own.
  • Subcutaneous: An injection that is injected into the fat layer, deeper than an intradermal injection but not as deep as an intramuscular (in the muscle) injection. Can be injected in the fat in the back of the arm or less commonly in the fat on the stomach. May also cause mild irritation and redness that will heal on its own.

Why did the FDA choose to switch Mpox vaccination to intradermal injections in 2022?

  • When administrating an intradermal injection, the “dose” is still the same as a subcutaneous injection but has a lower volume/amount used while still being effective. This allowed for more people to get vaccinated since less volume is being used per person.

If I received a subcutaneous injection for my first vaccine will I get an intradermal injection instead for my second dose?

  • It depends on the clinic. Because vaccine is more available now than in 2022, some clinics allow you to choose between the subcutaneous or intradermal option. Other clinics may still choose to rely on intradermal injections.