Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox. Mpox spreads to through prolonged close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including sex and kissing. The virus can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores, including scabs, have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

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As of 11/29/2022, there is no longer eligibility requirements. Individuals who are 18 years or older and request the JYNNEOS vaccine may get vaccinated.

CDPH Updated Guidance as of November 15, 2022: Considerations for Mpox Vaccination in California

The vaccine is being prioritized for: 

• Individuals who self-attests to meeting the current eligibility criteria OR self-attests to being at risk for future exposure to mpox
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)++ for individuals with certain risk factors who are more likely to have been recently exposed to mpox even if they have not had documented exposure to someone with confirmed mpox, such as people who attended an event or venue where there was known mpox exposure.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)++ for individuals with certain risk factors who are more likely to have been recently exposed to mpox even if they have not had documented exposure to someone with confirmed Mpox, such as people who attended an event or venue where there was known mpox exposure. 

*2nd Dose of the vaccine is now available. 2nd doses will be administered to individuals who are at least 28 days from receiving their 1st dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Symptoms:
Mpox symptoms usually start within two weeks of exposure to the virus. Initial symptoms are similar to flu (fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes), followed by a rash and sores that look similar to herpes sores. The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face.

• The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
• The sores can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
• Sores may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.

Prevention
There are number of ways to prevent the spread of mpox, including:

• Always talking to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus
• Avoiding close contact, including sex, with people with symptoms like sores or rashes
• Avoid sharing the same bed or bed linens as a person with symptoms consistent with mpox
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• People who become infected should isolate until their symptoms are improving or have gone away completely. Rash should always be well covered until completely healed.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown, and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
• Avoiding contact with infected materials contaminated with the virus
• Avoiding contact with infected animals

Testing
If you have rash or spots that may look like mpox, reach out to your healthcare provider for further testing and evaluation. If you do not have a provider and are seeking to be tested, please call and schedule an appointment with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). See local FQHCs below:

Community Medical Center	600 Nut Tree Rd Ste 310 Vacaville, CA	707 359 1800
Community Medical Center   Dixon Family Practice	131 W A Street Ste 1 Dixon, CA	707 635 1600
Family Health Services   Fairfield	2201 Courage Dr Fairfield, CA	707 784 2010
Family Health Services  Vacaville	1119 East Monte Vista Ave Vacaville, CA	707 469 4640
Family Health Services  Vallejo	365 Tuolumne St Vallejo, CA	707 553 5509
La Clinica de la Raza   Great Beginnings	210 Hospital Dr Vallejo, CA	707 645 7316
La Clinica de la Raza   North Vallejo	220 Hospital Dr Vallejo, CA	707 641 1900
La Clinica de la Raza  Vallejo Medical	415 Georgia St Vallejo, CA	707 556 8100

    Until you receive guidance from your provider, you should: