Mpox - Callen-Lorde

Mpox

Callen-Lorde is committed to keeping patients up-to-date on the latest mpox trends. While Mpox cases have significantly declined since 2022, we are still seeing cases and strongly recommend vaccination. See here for updated information on Mpox cases in NYC. 

We’re here for your Mpox needs—from vaccines, testing and supportive care to help manage symptoms. 

Vaccines 

Callen-Lorde has Mpox vaccines available at all three of our pharmacies by appointment only, pending insurance coverage. If you are a Callen-Lorde patient, call (212) 271-7200 to schedule an appointment at the pharmacy. If you are in NYC but not a Callen-Lorde patient, please visit NYC Dept of Health. If you’re located outside of NYC please visit NYS Dept of Health for information. 

The following people are eligible to be vaccinated: 

  • 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 mpox in the last 14 days 
  • Anyone else who believes they could contract mpox  

Answering Your Mpox Questions

Defining Mpox

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the Mpox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox causes painful sores and blisters that are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and it is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.  

The Mpox rash or sores are often seen in the genital/groin area as well as in and around the anal area. However, they can occur all over the body as well as on the   hands and feet. Some patients have also reported anal symptoms like bleeding, pain, and discharge. 

Although Mpox can affect anyone regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, recent outbreaks have disproportionately occurred in men who have sex with men. You can learn more about Mpox through the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. 

If you think you might have been exposed

Whether you are a Callen-Lorde patient or new to Callen-Lorde, and are experiencing symptoms as described below, please call (212) 271-7200 and ask to speak to a triage nurse who can help determine the next best steps.  

Transmission

Mpox is transmitted mainly during oral, anal and vaginal sex and other intimate skin-to-skin contact, such as rimming, hugging, kissing, biting, cuddling and massage. After someone contracts the virus, symptoms will usually develop in 1-2 weeks, but it can take as long as 3 weeks for symptoms to appear. Someone who has the virus is most likely to spread it to others from the time a rash or other symptoms appear until the rash is fully healed and covered by new skin (although it is possible to spread before skin symptoms). 

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 porous items used by a person with mpox 
  • Prolonged face-to-face contact via respiratory droplets 

Mpox is NOT spread through: 

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

Help reduce the possibility of mpox infection by: 

  • Getting two doses of the Mpox vaccine 
  • 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 skin-to-skin 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 mpox, 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: 

  • Lead with compassion and empathy 
  • Anyone can get mpox, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation 
  • Have open conversations with sexual partners about your status and theirs 
  • Don’t panic. 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
Supportive care for Mpox

In most cases, Mpox will resolve on its own. 

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

While a medication called tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX) was previously used for Mpox treatment, based on new research, we now know this medication is not as effective as we initially hoped and it is no longer available for general Mpox treatment. 

In light of this, Callen-Lorde doesn’t offer specific treatment to address Mpox, but we can help manage your symptoms until they resolve. 

The JYNNEOS vaccine 

The JYNNEOS vaccine has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of mpox 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 the vaccine will not have full effect until two weeks after the second dose. If you received the first dose a long time ago but didn’t get the second one, you don’t need to start over–just go ahead and get the second dose. If you are concerned about a scar that may have happened with the first dose, we can now give the second dose in a different way that should not cause scarring. 

If you have had Mpox, then you have some protection against another infection and are currently not eligible for the vaccine. 

Boosters of the Mpox vaccine are not currently recommended. 

It’s important to note that cases in vaccinated persons are usually much less severe and but can occur. Mpox in vaccinated persons is also more likely to only affect site of contact, so it sometimes can be confused with herpes virus infection. Any new sore or rash is a good excuse to come get tested for STIs and ask your provider about the possibility of Mpox.