There is a vaccine available to prevent the spread of mpox. Currently, CDC does not recommend routine immunization against mpox for the general public.
Mpox vaccination should be offered to people with high potential for exposure to mpox:
- People who had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox.
- People who had a sex partner in the past 2 weeks who was diagnosed with mpox.
- Gay, bisexual, and other MSM, and transgender or nonbinary people (including adolescents who fall into any of these categories) who, in the past 6 months, have had
1. A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis).
2. More than one sex partner
4. People who have had any of the following in the past 6 months
1. Sex at a commercial sex venue
2. Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring.
3. Sex in exchange for money or other items
5. People who are sex partners of people with the above risks
6. People who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios
7. People with HIV infection or other causes of immunosuppression who have had recent or anticipate potential mpox exposure
8. People who work in settings where they may be exposed to mpox
1. People who work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory
If you are interested in getting a vaccination, contact the Health Department at 708.358.5480 or email health@oak-park.us.