Monkeypox Vaccine

Vaccines

The vaccine:

  • The vaccine being administered against Monkeypox infection is called JYNNEOS
  • JYNNEOS is a vaccine indicated for prevention of smallpox and monkeypox disease in adults 18 years of age and older determined to be at high risk for smallpox or monkeypox infection
  • The vaccine is not licensed for use in pregnant women and individuals less than 18 years of age
  • Each individual is to be given two doses 28 days apart
  • Peak immunity is expected to be reached 14 days after the second dose of JYNNEOS vaccine. The duration of immunity after two doses of JYNNEOS is unknown
  • The most common injection site reactions are pain, redness, swelling, induration, and itching; the most common systemic adverse reactions are muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, and chills
  • The Monkeypox vaccine can be administered for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) refers to administering vaccine to someone at high risk for monkeypox, to prevent their getting infected, before they have been exposed to the virus
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to the administration of the vaccine to someone at high risk for monkeypox, to prevent their getting infected, after they have been exposed to the virus
  • Individuals who have already had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of JYNNEOS should not be given a second dose
  • Inform your health care provider if you have a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) following gentamicin or ciprofloxacin or a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to chicken or egg protein AND are currently avoiding exposure to all chicken or egg products so that the necessary precautions may be exercised
  • Inform your health care provider if you are experiencing moderate or severe acute illness, with or without fever, as it may be necessary to defer vaccination until you have recovered


Monkeypox vaccination strategy:
The Monkeypox vaccine is currently being provided free of charge by the Health Department to individuals aged 18 years and over who are deemed to be high-risk contacts of confirmed Monkeypox cases after assessment by the Public Health authorities. It is being administered as Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). It is not available for procurement from private clinics/pharmacies.

Individuals who are identified as high-risk contacts and thus considered to be eligible for the Monkeypox vaccine as per current Monkeypox vaccination strategy, will be guided by the contact Public health tracing team accordingly and an appointment for vaccination will be booked for them by Public Health.

If you suspect that you may have come into contact with someone who has symptoms of Monkeypox but who has not been confirmed as a case, you are advised to monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days from last contact and abstain from any sexual activity during this time-period. Should you develop any symptoms you are to isolate yourself immediately, avoid close physical contacts with others and abstain from sexual activity. You should also contact your GP, Health centre on 2123 1231 / 2122 2444 or the GU Clinic on 2545 7494 to discuss your situation.

It is important to remember that you should always exercise precaution when engaging in sexual activity. Avoid close contact with anyone who is exhibiting any symptoms and always use condoms – although they do not prevent the spread of Monkeypox during sexual contact they will prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections.

Should you require any other information please contact the Helpline on 111.