Division of Communicable Disease Control

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health!

Include sexual health as a part of your routine health care.

Protect yourself by getting both doses of the mpox vaccine!

Vaccination is recommended to protect Californians who may be at risk for mpox. The vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe mpox illness and reducing chance of infection from both clade I and clade II mpox.

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has been in the U.S. since 2022 and continues to circulate in California. To learn more about mpox, see CDPH Mpox Homepage.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Find Mpox Vaccine Near You

Mpox Vaccine FAQ

Mpox Vaccine & Insurance

Who should get the mpox vaccine?

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends* the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) for any person who:

Is gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or
Is transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse or
Has HIV, or is taking/eligible for HIV PrEP or doxy PEPor
Was exposed to someone with mpox in the last 14 days or
Is planning to travel internationally (outside the US)—particularly to a country where clade I mpox is spreading between people—and anticipates sexual or intimate contact while traveling or
Anticipates attending a commercial sex event or venue (like a sex club or bathhouse) or
Has a sex partner with any of the above risks or
Requests mpox vaccination, even if they have not disclosed any risks listed above

In addition, the mpox vaccine is recommended for anyone at occupational risk for exposure to mpox (e.g., certain laboratory workers).

*These recommendations are intended to simplify risk assessment and increase vaccination coverage among groups at increased risk of exposure given current outbreak data. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are unsure if you may be at risk for mpox.

Mpox Vaccine FAQ

How is the vaccine given?

JYNNEOS is given as two (2) doses at least four (4) weeks apart. If it has been more than 4 weeks since your first dose, get the second dose as soon as possible for the most protection.

The vaccines are now typically given in the back of the upper arm. Previously, mpox vaccines were commonly given in the forearm. While it was also effective, some people had more skin reactions, including discoloration of the skin, at this injection site.

Do I need a booster vaccine?

Getting more than two vaccine doses (boosters or 3rd doses) is currently not recommended.

How effective is the vaccine?

The vaccine is very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from mpox (clade I or clade II).
Studies show that two vaccine doses may also lower your risk of getting mpox up to 86-89%.
It takes about 2 weeks from the second dose to have the most protection.
While uncommon, infections after vaccination are possible. These infections usually have more mild symptoms. This is why it is recommended to consider other preventive steps and get tested if you have a new rash or sore—even if you were vaccinated.

Can I get vaccinated after I was exposed?

Yes, getting the vaccine right after an exposure is recommended if you have not already been vaccinated. It can provide some protection if given within 14 days after exposure to someone with mpox, before symptoms develop. The sooner it is given, the more effective it might be.

Should I get vaccinated if I already had mpox?

The vaccine is not recommended for people who currently have mpox infection or who had mpox infection before. Seek medical care if you have mpox symptoms.

What about vaccination for clade I mpox?

JYNNEOS is expected to be effective against both clade I and clade II mpox. CDPH continues to monitor the situation closely and makes recommendations based on available data.

If you have only gotten one dose of mpox vaccine: Get your second dose as soon as possible for the most protection.
If you have already gotten both doses of mpox vaccine: Boosters or third doses are not recommended at this time.
If you previously had mpox infection (including clade II mpox): Mpox vaccine is not recommended at this time. Prior infection is likely protective from either clade of mpox per CDC.

Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about mpox vaccination.

How to find a vaccination provider near you:

Most people with insurance can get the mpox vaccine at no cost.

Check with your local pharmacy (e.g., CVS, Walgreens). You can ask for the mpox vaccine; the brand name is JYNNEOS (Jin-nee-ohs)

Call ahead to confirm they have the vaccine in stock and check that your insurance will cover it. They can also check stock at nearby stores in their network.
Walk-ins are usually welcome, but calling first prevents a wasted trip.

Check the Mpox Vaccine Locator Map
Ask your health care provider
Contact your local health department

How do I pay for the mpox vaccine?

With insurance

Most health insurance plans should cover the mpox vaccine for eligible adults. This includes Medi-Cal, Medicare, private/commercial insurance, Veterans Affairs Health Care, and Tricare.

It is possible the vaccine is not yet covered by your health plan. If you have health insurance, contact your health plan to find out if they cover the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS). This is usually done by calling the member services phone number on the back of your insurance card.

What to bring to your appointment:

Government-issued photo ID
Your insurance card
Your vaccination record if you've already had your first dose (you can request a digital vaccine record)

Without insurance

Contact your local health department, as they might be able to help you get you the vaccine for free or at a low cost.

In addition, to find out if you are eligible for insurance coverage under Medi-Cal or Covered California, visit Covered California. Covered California allows Californians to apply for a health insurance plan. The plan’s cost is based on your income. The same application is used to apply for Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) if you are eligible.

Individuals may be able to apply for insurance immediately if they have recently experienced a major life change—see Covered California: Qualifying Life Events for more information.
During open enrollment, anyone may apply for insurance plans through the state marketplace. Open enrollment is usually from November to January.

To apply for Covered California:

Apply online at www.coveredca.com, or
Call 1-800-300-1506 to speak with a representative, or
Make an appointment at a Covered California enrollment site near you

Other programs or plans may cover the vaccine cost for people who are eligible, including:

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)
PrEP-AP helps Californians who are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections get access to medical care and services to prevent HIV infection. JYNNEOS vaccine is a covered service for people enrolled in this program. For more information on who can apply, see CDPH PrEP Assistance Program: Eligibility Criteria.

To apply for PrEP-AP:

Schedule an appointment at a certified PrEP-AP enrollment site near you, or
Contact the ADAP call center at (844) 421-7050, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM (excluding holidays)

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
ADAP helps ensure that Californians living with HIV and AIDS, who are uninsured or under-insured, have access to their prescribed medications. JYNNEOS vaccine is a covered service for people enrolled in this program. For more information on who can apply, see CDPH AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Eligibility Criteria.

To apply for ADAP:

Schedule an appointment at a certified ADAP enrollment site near you or
Contact the ADAP call center at (844) 421-7050, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM (excluding holidays)