Mpox 101: It’s Better With Two
Updated 2/16/2024
What is Mpox?
A virus-caused illness that lasts for 2 - 4 weeks. Symptoms include skin rashes & bumps on the mouth, feet, anus, & genitals. Others include fever, head and muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
What does an Mpox rash look like?
See examples of Mpox rashes at this link.
Is Mpox common?
This section was written 2/16/24
Mpox is considered an outbreak. An outbreak means more disease than is expected.
From the beginning of the 2022 outbreak to January 10th, 2024, there have been 31,689 reported cases of Mpox in the US, when the virus was virtually non-existent here prior.
Mpox is a rare illness that affects few people. It can continue to be a rare illness through preventative measures including vaccination and education on the signs and symptoms.
Who Qualifies for the Mpox Vaccine?
Insert:”The criteria for receiving an Mpox vaccine has changed since the 2022 outbreak. Anyone can contract Mpox, and anyone who feels they may be at risk of exposure is encouraged to get vaccinated. The Jynneos, or Mpox vaccine, is fully authorized for people ages 18 years of age and older. People under 18 years of age
Mpox is now included as a CDC routine immunization for certain populations. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has even broader definitions for who needs an Mpox immunization. Populations most at risk for Mpox include:
Anyone who has had close physical contact with someone who has mpox in the last 14 days.
Anyone who:
Has multiple or anonymous sexual partners, or
Has close physical contact with other people in a venue where anonymous or group sex may occur, or
Was diagnosed with gonorrhea or syphilis in the past six months, or
Is living with HIV, or
Is immunocompromised and anticipates potential mpox exposure, or
Already uses or is eligible for HIV PrEP (medication to prevent HIV, e.g. Truvada or Descovy or Apretude), or
Has sex in exchange for money, shelter, food, and other goods or needs.
Anyone identified by public health as a known high-risk contact of someone who has mpox.
Anyone whose sexual partner identifies with any of the above scenarios.
Anyone who anticipates experiencing any of the above scenarios.
Mpox is spread by touch, so we invite community members and friends to participate in preventative medicine and get vaccinated to protect our community.
Do Minors Need the Mpox Vaccine?
People under 18 are authorized to receive the Jynneos vaccine under an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food & Drug Administration. Most cases of youth & children contracting Mpox are through household exposure. When a person under 18 belongs to an at risk population detailed above, they may be at risk of contracting Mpox. Consulting with a health official at a local public health agency can help you determine what’s right for you.
Where Do I Get an Mpox Vaccine?
CDPHE’s list of public health agencies offering Mpox vaccines is available here
To get vaccinated for Mpox at Adams County Health Department, call the clinic at (303) 451-0123 to make an appointment (Updated 2/16/2024) Learn more here
To get vaccinated for Mpox at Larimer County Health Department, call the clinic at 970-498-6700 to make an appointment (Updated 2/16/2024) Learn more here
To get vaccinated for Mpox at Weld County Health Department, call the clinic at (970) 400-6420 to make an appointment (Updated 2/16/2024) Learn more here
Read Our Blog Post: Why We Call it “MPX” Instead of “Monkeypox”
