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APRI

Mpox Vaccinations

General Information

Mpox (Monkeypox Virus) is a rare, but potentially serious, viral illness which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. Infection typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. There is currently a global and national outbreak of mpox. Detailed information can be found on the RI DOH and CDC website.

RI DOH Website

Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus

Prevention

While many of the identified cases are within networks of self-identified gay and bisexual men, trans people, and men who have sex with men, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected and spread mpox.

Public awareness is important as the disease could spread within potentially larger groups or networks of people. RIDOH urges the media, government officials and the community-at-large to avoid stigmatizing a particular group or person for mpox, but rather support those at highest risk and ensure that all communities remain vigilant.

Getting Vaccinated

The JYNNEOS vaccine is free and there is no out-of-pocket cost associated with vaccination. You do not need insurance to get the JYNNEOS vaccine. However, private vaccinators (e.g., healthcare clinics and pharmacies) may bill someone’s health insurance (if they have insurance) for administering the vaccine.
  • Open Door Health (Providence) – 401-648-4700 (mpox vaccination appointments on Wednesdays and Fridays only)
  • The Miriam Hospital STI Clinic (Providence) – 401-793-2928 (At this location, vaccinations are available to eligible patients as part of a wellness appointment in the STI Clinic. When calling, ask to schedule an appointment in the STI Clinic. If you are specifically interested in the mpox vaccine, please indicate that so the provider will be aware. You still need to be evaluated by a provider. You will also be offered STI testing. The STI Clinic has financial assistance services for patients who are uninsured or who have insurance with copays.)

Please remember that JYNNEOS is a two-dose series. Your second dose should be at least 28 days after your first dose.

Getting vaccinated before you are exposed to mpox is the best way to prevent disease. For best protection, two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine spaced 28 days apart are recommended. A CDC analysis indicated that among JYNNEOS vaccine-eligible men aged 18–49 years in 43 U.S. jurisdictions, mpox incidence among unvaccinated persons was 9.6 times as high as that among persons who had received 2 vaccine doses and 7.4 times as high as that among persons who had received only the first dose. Preliminary evidence indicates no difference in protection between subcutaneous and intradermal administration routes.

If you have already been exposed, getting vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure to someone with mpox (ideally within 4 days) may help prevent the disease, or make it less severe.