Mpox
While the risk of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, to most people remains low, the mpox vaccine is available for San Diego residents who are at risk.
The mpox vaccine is available at VCC. To see if you are eligible and make an appointment: Email Mpox@vcc.org or Call 760-631-5000; ext 8184 to see if you may be eligible to receive this vaccine.
Get the vaccine if you
– Are a gay, bisexual, or other same-gender loving man who has sex with men or are transgender, gender non-binary, or gender-diverse.
– Have had sexual or intimate contact with someone who may have mpox. Get vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure, regardless of your sexual or gender identity.
AND if you, in the last 6 months, have had or expect to have
One or more sexually transmitted infections
A weakened immune system because of another illness, like HIV
Sexual or intimate contact with a person who is at risk of mpox
Anonymous sexual or intimate contact, or more than one sexual partner
for more information go to: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/vaccines/index.html
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is mpox?
- How is mpox spread?
- How can you prevent the spread of mpox?
- What should you do if you think you have mpox?
- Is there a treatment for mpox?
Q: What is mpox?
A: Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters
A: Mpox is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Kissing
- Cuddling
- Sex
- Direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, body fluids – this includes sharing utensils or articles of clothing
A: Although the most effective way to prevent mpox is to avoid sex of any kind (oral, anal, vaginal) and kissing or touching while sick, there are ways to reduce your risk without total abstinence:
- Have virtual sex with no in-person contact.
- Masturbate together at a distance of at least six feet, without touching each other and without touching any rash.
- Turn on the lights and look for possible signs of infection before having sex.
- Consider having sex with your clothes on or covering areas where rash is present, reducing as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. Condoms alone are likely not enough to prevent mpox.
- Avoid kissing.
- Remember to wash your hands, fetish gear, sex toys and any fabrics (bedding, towels, clothing) after having sex.
- Do not share things like towels, fetish gear, sex toys or toothbrushes.
- Limiting your number of sex partners may reduce the possibility of exposure.
- Avoid touching the rash. Touching the rash can spread it to other parts of the body and may delay healing.
If you feel sick or have a rash, do not attend any gathering, and see a healthcare provider. Gatherings include:
- A rave, party, or club where there is minimal clothing and where there is direct, personal, skin-to-skin contact has some risk. Avoid any rash you see on others and consider minimizing skin-to-skin contact.
- Enclosed spaces, such as back rooms, bath houses, sex clubs or private and public sex parties where sexual contact with multiple partners occurs, may have a higher likelihood of spreading mpox.
Unlike COVID-19, mpox can only be spread when you are experiencing symptoms. However, symptoms can last up to four weeks. You can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
A:
- See a health care provider if you notice a new or unexplained rash or other mpox symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with other people and pets.
- If your test result is positive, stay isolated until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
A: A health care provider may prescribe antiviral to treat mpox infections if you are more likely to get severely ill due to another health condition, such as immune suppression.