Get fully vaccinated against mpox | Department of Public Health

While more than one million people in the United States received the mpox vaccine last year,only 23% of those who received their first doses are fully vaccinated with the second doses. If you received the first dose, you have some protection, but you are not fully protected without a second dose.

Last summer, to combat a shortage of mpox vaccine, the vaccine was administered intradermally or into the upper layers of the skin. By administering it this way, providers were able to get five doses from each vial. Although there is no longer a shortage of vaccines, a recent studyfurther supports the findings that the vaccine is equally effective when administered intradermally as when administered subcutaneously, or under the skin and into the fatty layer. As a result, patients and providers can now decide which of the two approaches, intradermal or subcutaneous, is most appropriate for their situation.

Philadelphia hasn’t seen many cases of mpox in recent months, but that doesn’t mean the risk has completely disappeared. While we hope new mpox cases remain low, the warmer weather may provide more opportunities for the virus to spread, especially with events and parties taking place more in the spring and summer. If you or someone you know has only had one dose of mpox vaccine, make sure they get their second dose as soon as possible. And people who may be exposed to mpox but have not yet been vaccinated should do so.

For more information on the vaccine, who should get it, and where to find it, see the Center for Disease Control’s vaccine information page and widget.

To learn more about mpox in Philadelphia, including information about the specific clinics that offer the vaccine, visit the Department of Health website. mpox webpage.