Vaccination Strategies

As of October 2022, most (99%) cases of mpox were among men, and 94% reported male-to-male sexual or close intimate contact during the 3 weeks before symptom onset. A substantial proportion of cases (57%) occurred among people living with HIV infection. Health disparities by race and ethnicity have been reported, with a disproportionate number of cases among people who are Black and Hispanic. 

Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. 

People can be vaccinated after exposure to mpox to help prevent illness.

To be most effective, strategies to use mpox vaccines prior to exposure should be part of a larger prevention effort accounting for impacted communities, local epidemiology, population needs, and feasibility based on available vaccine supply. Such an effort should center health equity principles as a foundation and include strategies such as community outreach, education efforts, and communication about behavioral strategies to minimize risk. Strategies to use vaccines prior to exposure are likely to be most effective when designed and implemented in partnership with communities and groups that are disproportionately affected. For example, successful HIV PrEP campaigns were built on a high level of community engagement and have built a high amount of trust. As the epidemiology of the outbreak evolves and new data become available, interim guidance on mpox vaccine use prior to exposure will be updated.​

For more information on vaccination, see: CDC| Components of the U.S. National Monkeypox Vaccination Strategy