Public health officials are urging people at risk of exposure to mpox to get vaccinated. Transmission of a more serious type of the virus is increasing globally, so it’s important for health care providers to watch for symptoms among patients.
Community transmission of the clade I mpox virus type is increasing in several countries around the world, including western Europe, and central and eastern Africa. Symptoms of clade I mpox may relate to more severe disease than clade II mpox, which caused the ongoing, global outbreak of the virus among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men that started in 2022.
Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority (OHA), said people at higher risk of mpox infection should get the vaccine, known as JYNNEOS, as soon as possible.
“A recent uptick in mpox cases in other states has primarily been among men who have sex with men,” Sidelinger said. “While June is Pride Month, Pride events and festivals attracting gay men continue through the summer and into the fall. Some attendees at these events might engage in sexual behavior with other folks they meet at these events so should consider vaccination to protect against mpox, if they haven’t gotten the vaccine already.”
Right now, infection rates are highest among:
- People living in Multnomah County.
- People ages 30 to 39.
- Members of the Hispanic and Black/African American communities.
- Most cases were men who reported having sex with men, and most identified as gay or bisexual.
People who think they have mpox should contact their health care provider and let them know before going in to be seen. The provider may recommend testing for mpox. Those who don’t have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 or their local public health authority for help finding a clinic or health care provider.
About the vaccine, JYNNEOS
The JYNNEOS mpox vaccine is highly effective. According to a May 2023 study published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the vaccine was found to be 75 percent effective for those receiving one dose, and 86 percent effective with two doses.
JYNNEOS is licensed as a series of two doses administered 28 days apart. If more than 28 days have passed, patients should receive the second dose as soon as possible and do not need to restart the series. JYNNEOS is expected to be effective against both clades of mpox.
For patients who have received two JYNNEOS doses, no additional or booster doses are currently recommended. Vaccination is not recommended for patients who have previously recovered from mpox.
JYNNEOS is available through health care providers and commercial pharmacies, and it remains free to Oregon Health Plan members. Oregon law requires vaccine’s cost to be covered for others with commercial insurance.
For more information about mpox in Oregon, visit OHA’s mpox website.