Mpox Vaccine: Who Should Get It, Dosing Schedule, Side Effects, and How Well It Works
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is the mpox vaccine?
The mpox vaccine is a shot that lowers your risk of mpox, a viral illness that causes a painful rash. It is given as two doses at least 28 days apart, either under the skin or between skin layers. It is recommended for people at higher risk of exposure, and two doses are highly protective. [1][2]
What the research says
Two doses prevent most mpox cases. A meta-analysis of 33 studies (32 on MVA-BN) found that one dose was 76% effective and two doses were 82% effective at preventing mpox. (Pischel et al., Vaccine, 2024) [6]
Breakthrough infections are rare and milder. Among fully vaccinated people in 27 U.S. jurisdictions (May 2022–May 2024), 271 infections were reported, estimated at fewer than 1% of those vaccinated, and illness was less severe than in unvaccinated people. (Guagliardo et al., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 2024) [7]
The vaccine is safe and well tolerated. In 6,459 at-risk adults, notable adverse reactions occurred after 0.35% of first doses and 0.14% of second doses, though mild shot-site reactions were common (70% after the first dose); one dose was 57.8% effective overall, but protection was lower in people living with HIV. (Hillus et al., Lancet Infect Dis, 2025) [5]
Key takeaways
The mpox vaccine is a two-dose shot, with doses at least 28 days apart.
It is recommended for people who have been exposed to mpox or are likely to be.
Most side effects are mild, such as a sore arm, tiredness, or headache.
The intradermal (skin-layer) shot can leave a raised scar; a shot under the skin is an option.
Two doses prevent most infections, and breakthrough cases tend to be milder.
Mpox vaccine at a glance
Feature | Details |
Vaccine type recommended in the U.S. | MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) |
Number of doses | 2 |
Time between doses | At least 28 days |
How it's given | Under the skin (subcutaneous) or between skin layers (intradermal) |
Booster needed? | Usually not; some workers at high risk may need one after 10 years |
Common side effects | Shot-site soreness, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, fever, nausea, chills |
Two-dose effectiveness | Around 82% in pooled studies |
What is the mpox vaccine and how does it work?
The mpox vaccine is a shot that trains your immune system to recognize the mpox virus before you are exposed. Several types exist, but the MVA-BN vaccine (brand name JYNNEOS) is the one recommended in the U.S. [1]
The vaccine uses a virus closely related to mpox, a version of the vaccinia virus called MVA-BN. Scientists weaken this virus so it cannot copy itself or make you sick. [1]
If you are later infected with mpox, your body already has the tools to fight it. That means you may not get sick at all, or your illness may be less severe. [1]
Learn more about the disease itself in our complete guide to mpox symptoms, spread, and treatment.
How is the mpox vaccine given?
The mpox vaccine is given as a shot by a healthcare provider, using one of two methods. [1]
Method | Where it goes | Usual site |
Subcutaneous | Into the fat layer under the skin | Back of the upper arm |
Intradermal | Between the top layers of the skin | Forearm |
How many doses of the mpox vaccine do you need?
The mpox vaccine requires two doses, given at least 28 days apart, to be fully vaccinated. [1]
Most people do not need extra doses after that. If you work in a lab with orthopoxviruses, you may need booster doses every 2 or 10 years, depending on the virus you handle. [1]
This two-dose pattern is similar to other routine shots, such as the chickenpox vaccine.
Who should get the mpox vaccine?
The mpox vaccine is recommended for people who have been exposed to mpox or are likely to be exposed. [1]
You may be at higher risk if you:
Have been in close contact with someone who has mpox
Live in an area where mpox is spreading
Have traveled, or plan to travel, to an area where mpox is spreading
Work in healthcare caring for people with mpox, or diagnose it in a lab
Have had one or more sexually transmitted infections in the past six months
Have had sex with more than one person in the past six months
Have had sex at a sex club, bathhouse, or other commercial sex venue in the past six months
Have a sex partner who is at higher risk [1]
What should you tell your provider before the mpox vaccine?
Tell your healthcare provider about certain health details before getting vaccinated so they can plan the safest care for you. [1]
Let them know if you:
Have a weakened immune system, for example from HIV
Are pregnant or could be pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Have recently had mpox, or have had a severe allergic reaction to a past dose or to a vaccine ingredient (such as gentamicin, ciprofloxacin or egg protein)
Your provider can also share the most up-to-date recommendations for your situation. [1]
What are the side effects of the mpox vaccine?
Common side effects include:
Pain, swelling, itching, redness, or discoloration at the shot site
Tiredness
Headache
Muscle aches
Fever
Nausea
Chills
When is a reaction an emergency?
A severe allergic reaction to the mpox vaccine is rare but needs emergency care. [1]
Go to the nearest emergency room or call your local emergency number if you notice:
Swelling of your face, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness
Weakness
Fast heart rate
Read more about anaphylaxis and why epinephrine is the emergency treatment.
Can the mpox vaccine leave a scar?
The intradermal mpox vaccine can cause a raised scar called a keloid to form. [1]
If scarring worries you, tell the provider giving the shot. You can ask for a subcutaneous shot instead, or ask to get it in a less visible spot on your body. [1]
How effective is the mpox vaccine?
Two doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine are about 82% effective at preventing mpox when given before exposure. [1][6]
Other data show that infections after two doses are uncommon, affecting fewer than 1% of fully vaccinated people, and these breakthrough cases tend to be milder. [7]
Doses | Pooled effectiveness against mpox |
1 dose | 76% |
2 doses | 82% |
Effectiveness figures come from a meta-analysis of real-world studies. [6]
Conclusion
The mpox vaccine is a simple, two-dose way to lower your chance of getting mpox and its painful rash. Doses are given at least 28 days apart, side effects are usually mild, and protection after two doses is strong.
If any of the risk factors above apply to you, the next step is a conversation with a healthcare provider. They can confirm whether you should be vaccinated and which method suits you best.
Want to understand mpox fully? Read our complete mpox guide, and explore more clear, research-backed health guides on rinnit.com. For official public health guidance, see the current mpox vaccination recommendations and these global answers to common mpox vaccine questions.
FAQ
What is the mpox vaccine?
The mpox vaccine is a shot that lowers your risk of getting mpox, a viral illness that causes a painful rash. The MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) vaccine is the type recommended in the U.S.
How many doses of the mpox vaccine do I need?
The mpox vaccine requires two doses given at least 28 days apart. Most people do not need more doses, though some workers at high risk may need one after 10 years.
Who should get the mpox vaccine?
The mpox vaccine is recommended for people exposed to mpox or likely to be exposed. This includes close contacts, travelers to affected areas, some healthcare workers, and people with certain sexual risk factors in the past six months.
What are the common side effects of the mpox vaccine?
The most common side effects of the mpox vaccine are pain, swelling, itching, or redness at the shot site. Tiredness, headache, muscle aches, fever, nausea, and chills can also happen.
When should I seek emergency care after the mpox vaccine?
Seek emergency care after the mpox vaccine if you have swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weakness, a fast heart rate, or hives. These can be signs of a rare severe allergic reaction.
Can the mpox vaccine cause a scar?
The intradermal mpox vaccine can cause a raised scar called a keloid. You can ask for a subcutaneous shot or a less visible injection site instead.
How effective is the mpox vaccine?
Two doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine are about 82% effective at preventing mpox when given before exposure. Infections after two doses are uncommon and tend to be milder.
Does the mpox vaccine contain live mpox virus?
The mpox vaccine does not contain the mpox virus. It uses a weakened, related virus called MVA-BN that cannot copy itself or make you sick.
Can I get the mpox vaccine after I have been exposed?
Yes. Getting the vaccine soon after exposure can help prevent mpox or make it milder. It works best within 4 days of exposure but may still help up to 14 days after, so contact a healthcare provider quickly.
Can I get the mpox vaccine if I am pregnant or have HIV?
Yes, the vaccine can be given during pregnancy and to people with HIV when they are at risk, because it does not contain live virus that can multiply. Talk with your provider, since protection may be lower with a weakened immune system.
Related Reading
Mpox (Monkeypox): Symptoms, Spread, Treatment and Prevention explains mpox symptoms, how it spreads and how it is treated.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Guide: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment covers common STDs, testing and prevention.
HIV/AIDS: Symptoms, Causes, and How It Is Diagnosed and Treated explains HIV symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention.
Vaccines: How They Work, Types, Safety and Side Effects explains how vaccines work and why they are recommended.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Mpox Vaccine: Administration, Side Effects & Effectiveness. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated October 20, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/mpox-vaccine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Monkeypox Vaccination. CDC. Last updated January 22, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/vaccines/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smallpox-Monkeypox Vaccine VIS. CDC. Last updated February 28, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/smallpox-monkeypox.html
World Health Organization. Mpox: Vaccines. WHO. Last updated January 22, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/mpox-vaccines
Hillus D, Le NH, Tober-Lau P, et al. Safety and effectiveness of MVA-BN vaccination against mpox in at-risk individuals in Germany (SEMVAc and TEMVAc): a combined prospective and retrospective cohort study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2025;25(7):775-787. PMID 40118087. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00018-0
Pischel L, Martini BA, Yu N, et al. Vaccine effectiveness of 3rd generation mpox vaccines against mpox and disease severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine. 2024;42(25):126053. PMID 38906763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.021
Guagliardo SAJ, Kracalik I, Carter RJ, et al. Monkeypox Virus Infections After 2 Preexposure Doses of JYNNEOS Vaccine - United States, May 2022-May 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024;73(20):460-466. PMID 38781111. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7320a3
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always ask a qualified healthcare provider about your own health, vaccination needs, and any symptoms you have.
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