Mpox - what Veterans need to know
On May 7, 2022, the world was alerted to a confirmed case of Mpox in the United Kingdom.
Since then, the virus has spread to many countries including the United States, and the World Health Organization has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On August 4, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services declared mpox a Public Health Emergency in the United States.
VA is working in close collaboration with local and state public health authorities, as well as other federal agencies like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to ensure Veterans have access to testing, treatment, and prevention tools, such as antivirals and vaccines. In addition, VA is closely following clinical, infection control, and occupational health guidance provided by the CDC.
Although recent spread of mpox cases is alarming, the virus is far less contagious than COVID-19. Mpox spreads by very close and/or prolonged contact with someone with symptoms, while COVID-19 can spread from an infected person who has no symptoms.
VA received an initial allocation of 13,000 vials (up to 65,000 doses) of JYNNEOS™ mpox vaccine from Department of Health and Human Services in August. VA will
continue to receive additional allocation of vials of JYNNEOS™ to reduce the spread of mpox as more product is available within the supply chain.
For Veterans who need the vaccine, the series requires 2 doses per person, 28 days apart.
- Due to the limited supply and to ensure availability for Veterans who need it, most Veterans will receive their dose of the vaccine in the shallow layers between their skin (intradermal) on their forearm, as authorized by an FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This route, which is being used across the country, uses less vaccine per person and is safe and effective.
- Some Veterans who have had a type of scarring called a “keloid” will get a dose in the upper arm that is injected in the layer of fat below the skin (subcutaneous).
Any person who comes in direct skin-to-skin contact with another who is infected may catch mpox. The current outbreak has, for now, disproportionately affected the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who should be prioritized for vaccine based on their personal risk of exposure.
VA is following CDC guidelines and prioritizing individuals for the vaccine based on their personal risk of exposure. Veterans enrolled at the VA Northern California Health Care System are encouraged to contact us at 1-800-382-8387 for more information. Veterans can also visit https://www.va.gov/resources/monkeypox-information-for-veterans/.