What the mpox vaccine is for
The mpox vaccine helps protect against catching mpox (previously known as monkeypox). It also usually makes symptoms milder if you do catch it.
Mpox is a virus that spreads from person to person through:
- close physical contact
- coughs or sneezes
- touching infected clothing, bedding or towels
In parts of central and east Africa, mpox can also be caught from infected animals.
Who can have the mpox vaccine
The mpox vaccine is recommended if you're at higher risk of getting mpox.
This is mainly men who have sex with men and:
- have multiple sexual partners
- have group sex
- visit sex-on-premises venues
The mpox vaccine is also recommended for:
- people who work at sex-on-premises venues, such as cleaning staff
- anyone who has had or will have close contact with someone who has mpox, or has a high risk of exposure to the virus
The local health protection team should let you know if you've had close contact with someone who has mpox.
How to get the mpox vaccine
The mpox vaccine is available in sexual health services. A sexual health professional may offer you the vaccine when you attend a clinic appointment, such as for testing or treating an STI.
If you've been offered the vaccine because you've had contact with someone who has mpox, you'll be told where you can get vaccinated.
Non-urgent advice: Call a sexual health clinic if:
- you think you're eligible for the mpox vaccine
The healthcare professional you speak to can check if you're eligible.
Do not go to a sexual health clinic for the mpox vaccine without speaking to them first.
Who cannot have the mpox vaccine
Most people who have been recommended it can have the mpox vaccine, including if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
You cannot have the vaccine if:
- you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine
- you're allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine (including chicken protein, benzonase, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin)
Mpox vaccine ingredients
There's 1 type of mpox vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflet:
How the mpox vaccine is given
The mpox vaccine is given as an injection, usually in your upper arm.
Most people will be offered 2 doses of the vaccine, usually at least 28 days apart.
Having the mpox vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
You can have the mpox vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, including the MenB vaccine for gonorrhoea, HPV vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine.
Side effects of the mpox vaccine
Like all medicines, the mpox vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects of the mpox vaccine include:
- itchiness, pain, or sometimes swelling or warmth, where you had the injection
- headache
- high temperature or chills
- feeling tired
- aches and pains
- loss of appetite
These side effects are usually mild and should get better within a few days.
Some people may get a small mark where they had the injection, which can last for a few months.
More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), are very rare and usually happen within minutes.
The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
More about vaccine safety
Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself
How well the mpox vaccine works
After 2 doses, the mpox vaccine provides around 80% protection, but there's still a chance you might get mpox.
If you get mpox after being vaccinated, you'll usually have milder symptoms than someone who has not been vaccinated.