Monkeypox Virus (MPV) Information

Updated Friday, September 30

We have limited monkeypox vaccine appointments available to current Callen-Lorde patients who meet the NYC DOH eligibility requirements – call (212) 271-7200 to schedule an appointment. Please note that appointments may be at a Callen-Lorde facility or another city DOH location. If you are not a Callen-Lorde patient, please visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov for appointments.

Eligibility for MPV vaccination has expanded. The following people are eligible to be vaccinated in NYC:

  • People of any sexual orientation or gender identity who have or may have multiple or anonymous sex partners, or participate or may participate in group sex
  • People of any sexual orientation or gender identity whose sex partners are eligible per the criteria above
  • People who know or suspect they have been exposed to MPV in the last 14 days
  • Anyone else who considers themselves to be at risk for MPV through sex or other intimate contact.

If you have had MPV, then you likely have some protection against another infection and are currently not eligible to get a first or second dose at his time.

If you are a Callen-Lorde patient and are experiencing symptoms as described below, please call (212) 271-7200 and ask to speak to Triage. Please do not come into the clinic before getting guidance by phone. If you live in NYC but are not a Callen-Lorde patient, contact the NYC Sexual Health Clinic Hotline at (347) 396-7959.

What is Monkeypox (MPV)?

Monkeypox (MPV) is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

In the recent outbreak, the rash or sores is often seen in the genital/groin area as well as in and around the anal area but can occur all over the body as well as on the palms of the hands and soles of feet. Some recent patients have also reported anal symptoms like bleeding, pain, and mucous.

Although Monkeypox (MPV) can affect anyone regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, recent clusters have disproportionately occurred in men who have sex with men.

How is Monkeypox (MPV) transmitted?

In the current outbreak, MPV is spreading mainly during oral, anal and vaginal sex and other intimate contact, such as rimming, hugging, kissing, biting, cuddling and massage.

The virus can also spread through:

  • Direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus
  • Contact with clothing, bedding and other items used by a person with MPV
  • Prolonged face-to-face contact

Monkeypox (MPV) is NOT spread through: 

  • Brief conversations/interactions 
  • Brushing by someone with monkeypox 
  • Touching items like doorknobs or elevator buttons 

Help reduce the risk of Monkeypox (MPV) infection by: 

  • Talking to your sexual partner(s) about any recent illness, and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on you or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus  
  • Avoiding intimate physical contact, including kissing, cuddling, and sex with someone with an unexplained rash or sore  
  • Seeking medical advice if you’ve had contact with someone who has tested positive or, if you have developed a new or unexplained rash or sore 
  • Regularly washing hands  

If you have Monkeypox (MPV), or have a new unexplained rash or sore, reduce the risk of transmitting it to others by: 

  • Keeping your rash covered when coming into contact with others 
  • Avoiding intimate contact  
  • If you are having intimate contact, cover your rashes and sores during contact and avoid kissing 
  • Being open and honest with your partners 

Help reduce the stigma of Monkeypox (MPV): 

  • Anyone can get Monkeypox (MPV), regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. 
  • Have open conversations with sexual partners about your status, and theirs. Lead with empathy! We are all going through a scary time, but we are in this together. Do not blame or shame anyone – including yourself. 
  • Don’t panic, and seek medical attention if you have a new or unexplained rash. You can get tested, and find ways to keep you, your partners, and other close contacts safe. 

How is Monkeypox (MPV) treated?

In most cases, Monkeypox (MPV) will resolve on its own.  There are also antiviral medications such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), that may be recommended for people with severe symptoms, or people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.

For more information, check out this CDC Fact Sheet. 

What is the vaccine?

Eligible New Yorkers can get the JYNNEOSTM vaccine. This vaccine has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of monkeypox in people ages 18 and older.

A full vaccination course is two doses. You should get a second dose at least 28 days after your first dose.

You will start to build protection in the days and weeks after your first dose, but you will not have full immunity from the vaccine until two weeks after the second dose. You can get a second dose intradermally (under the skin) even if you got your first dose subcutaneously (into the fatty tissue on the back of your arm).

If you have had MPV, then you likely have some protection against another infection and are currently not eligible for a first or second dose of the vaccine at this time.

If you are a current Callen-Lorde patient who meets the NYC DOH eligibility requirements, call (212) 271-7200 to schedule an appointment. Please note that appointments may be at a Callen-Lorde facility or another city DOH location. If you are not a Callen-Lorde patient, please visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov for appointments.

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