Mpox Vaccine

Last updated: 7/14/23

If you think you may have been exposed, or if you have symptoms of mpox, avoid others (including pets) and contact your health care provider right away for evaluation and testing. If you don't have insurance or a health care provider, call the Health Department at 734-544-6700.

Mpox vaccine basics

  • Mpox vaccine can be an effective tool to help prevent disease before exposure or make it less severe after exposure. 
  • JYNNEOS is the main vaccine being distributed. It is a two-dose vaccine with typically four weeks between the first and second doses. Protection starts to build in the days and weeks after the first dose and you are considered "fully vaccinated" two weeks after the second dose. At our vaccine clinic, we are administering the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • CDC recommends that the vaccine be given within 4 days from the date of a confirmed exposure for the best chance to prevent disease. If given between 4 and 14 days after exposure, vaccination may reduce symptoms but may not prevent disease. Vaccines are not available to those who have already been diagnosed with mpox.
  • Mpox vaccine can be given via subcutaneous or intradermal injection. Learn more here. 
  • Mpox vaccine can also be used to help prevent disease before exposure ("PrEP"). 

Who can get a mpox vaccine?

You can get a mpox vaccine from the Health Department if:

You were exposed to mpox within the last 14 days (you had close physical contact with someone who was diagnosed with mpox) OR you think you may be at risk for mpox. Those who may be at higher risk of mpox include:

  • Individuals engaged in any type of sex work. 
  • Partners of individuals who engage in higher-risk sexual activities. 
  • Close/household contacts of individuals who have been exposed to mpox or engaged in higher-risk activities. 
  • Men who have sex with men and have a history of STI in the last year. 
  • Individuals who plan to have multiple sex partners. 
  • Individuals who plan to have close contact at a high-risk event or high-risk venue. 
  • Individuals taking HIV PrEP or those living with HIV. 

Those who have been exposed and those in these higher risk categories should get vaccinated against mpox.

*Note: We generally recommend spacing out mpox and COVID boosters by 28 days (unless you have had a recent confirmed exposure to someone with mpox). You do not need to space out flu and mpox vaccines!

How do I make a vaccine appointment?

Our mpox vaccine clinic is appointment-only. To schedule an appointment for an mpox vaccine, please call us at 734-544-6700.

Please leave a message if prompted and staff will call you back. Our nurses will ask you a few questions about your exposure or risk before scheduling your appointment. 

We are charging insurance for the administration of mpox vaccines. If you have insurance, please bring your card to your vaccine appointment. If you don’t have insurance, that’s okay. There will continue to be no out-of-pocket charges for mpox vaccines at our clinic.  

I got vaccinated already - do I need a booster or any extra doses?

No - if you've already gotten your 2 doses of mpox vaccine, you're all set. There are no additional/booster recommendations at this time.

Vaccine distribution information

The Washtenaw County Health Department is a regional mpox vaccine distribution hub. This means we will receive vaccine both to administer and to distribute to other local health departments. Other hubs include Detroit and Oakland, Kent, Kalamazoo, Ingham, Genesee, and Grand Traverse counties.

We are also connecting with health care providers and local community organizations who reach those who may be at higher risk for infection. This approach aims to help slow the spread of the disease, particularly for people who may have been exposed but may not have symptoms yet.