Mpox Information

Schedule an Mpox Vaccine Appointment

Rockland County Department of Health is offering mpox (Jynneos) vaccine during clinics to prevent the spread of mpox. Individuals who meet current New York State mpox vaccine criteria or who may meet the criteria in the future can schedule an mpox vaccine appointment by calling 845-364-3771 or emailing  with your name and phone number. Once we receive your email, one of our staff members will call you to schedule an Jynneos vaccine appointment. Our phone numbers have an 845 area code.

Our mpox vaccine clinic hours are:

  • Tuesday 1pm-4pm
  • Thursday 1pm-4pm

Currently, anyone who falls under the criteria below, or may fall into these criteria in the future, is recommended to receive the vaccine, in accordance with CDC and New York State guidance:

  • Those with known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox.
  • Those with a sex partner in the previous two weeks who was diagnosed with mpox.
  • Those who identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who in the past six months has had any of the following:
    • A new diagnosis of one or more STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
    • More than one sex partner.
  • Those who have had any of the following in the past six months:
    • Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., sex club or bathhouse).
    • Sex related to a large commercial event or in a geographic area (e.g., city or country) where mpox transmission is occurring.
  • Those with a sex partner with any of the above risks.
  • Those who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios.
  • Persons living with HIV (PLWH) or other causes of immune suppression who had recent or anticipate future risk of mpox exposure from any of the above scenarios.
  • Those who work in settings where they may be exposed to mpox:
    • Those who work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory.
    • Those who are part of an orthopoxvirus and health care worker response team.

In addition to the above criteria, New York State recommends that those who fall under the criteria below also receive the vaccine:

  • Those who engage in transactional sex.
  • Those who have or anticipate attending private or public sex parties.
  • Individuals who were previously diagnosed with mpox but have not already received the vaccine are also encouraged to get vaccinated.

If you previously completed the full two-dose vaccination series, there is no need to receive additional doses at this time.

Vaccination with Jynneos is free. You will not be asked about immigration status. Please bring a photo ID with you and, if you have one, an health insurance card to your appointment. 

For more information about the Jynneos vaccine and mpox please explore the information below or email

Important information

 
  • An outbreak of mpox is spreading across several countries that do not normally report mpox, including the United States. On November 28, 2022 the World Health Organization assigned mpox as a new preferred term for the monkeypox virus. 
  • The mpox virus is mostly spreading through close physical contact with someone who has mpox. At this time, the risk to the general population is low.
  • The following groups should be extra watchful and reach out to their health care provider if they develop symptoms of mpox:
    • People who have had contact with a person with confirmed or suspected mpox.
    • Men who regularly have close or physical contact with other men, including men who meet partners through online websites, digital applications (“apps”), or at bars or parties.
    • People who have traveled to areas where mpox cases have been reported including parts of Europe, western or central Africa, or other areas with confirmed cases of mpox during the month before their symptoms began.
  • Vaccination is recommended for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox. If you think you may have been exposed or believe you are at high risk and would like to get the vaccine, contact:
    • Rockland County Department of Health:  845-364-3771 / 845-364-2992 / 845-364-2139 or email .  If you email us, please provide us with your phone number and one of our staff members will give you a call to to schedule an mpox vaccine appointment. Our phone numbers have an 845 area code.  
    • Our current mpox vaccine clinic hours are 1pm-4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
    •  The Jacobs Family Pride Wellness Center of Montefiore Nyack Hospital may also be able to assist you in getting an mpox vaccine. To schedule an appointment call: 845-348-7284

  • If you have any symptoms of mpox, talk to your healthcare provider even if you do not think you had contact with someone who has mpox.

What is mpox?
Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread from animals to humans, and between people. The World Health Organization designated "mpox" as the preffered term for monkeypox virus on November 28, 2022. Mpox and monkeypox are the same virus.

Monkeypox-Visuals-1200x675.jpg


What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms of mpox usually include a rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, very bad headache, muscle aches, back pain, and low energy. The rash usually begins within one to three days of the start of a fever. The rashes can be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and can then crust, dry up, and fall off. Mpox rashes can look like some sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and syphilis.

If you have any symptoms of mpox, talk to your healthcare provider even if you do not think you had contact with someone who has mpox.


How does mpox spread from person to person?
People with mpox can spread mpox while they have symptoms. Symptoms last between two and four weeks. You can get mpox through close physical contact with someone who has symptoms. The rash, bodily fluids (such as pus or blood), and scabs are very infectious. Clothing, bedding, towels, and other shared objects like eating utensils/dishes that have the mpox virus on it can also spread mpox. People who are very physically close to someone who has mpox, such as household members and intimate partners are at greater risk for infection.


Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection?
Mpox is not only transmitted sexually, anyone who has close physical contact with someone who has mpox is at risk. However, during this current outbreak, all mpox cases in Rockland County have been spread through sex. If you or a recent partner (from the last 21 days) have been exposed to mpox or have symptoms of mpox, you should see a healthcare provider. Please remind your healthcare provider that mpox is circulating. While waiting to see your healthcare provider, cover your rash/sores, wear a mask, and avoid close contact (skin to skin hugging, sharing towels or linens, sharing clothing) with others.


Who should get the vaccine for mpox?
The two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended for people who have been exposed to mypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox. If you think you may have been exposed or believe you are high risk may consider vaccination. Rockland County offers the vaccine to the following:

  • Gay/bisexual men or transgender people who are sexually active with more than one partner

  • Anyone who is at high risk of mpox exposure This includes but is not limited to people who:

    • Are HIV positive or receive medicines to prevent HIV infection (PrEP)
    • Are experiencing homelessness
    • Use IV drugs
    • Give or receive money or other goods in exchange for sex
    • Have significant, skin-to-skin contact with others in a social or sexual venue
    • Work at establishments where sexual or intimate activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs, hotels)
    • Clinicians or laboratory staff who are at high risk of occupational exposure
    • Anyone who has been determined to be at high risk by a healthcare provider or public health official
If you previously completed the full two-dose vaccination series, there is no need to receive additional doses at this time.

If you think you may have been exposed or believe you are at risk for mpox now or in the future and would like to schedule an mpox vaccine appointment, please contact Rockland County Department of health by:

  • Emailing or calling 845-364-3771
    • If you email us, please provide us with your phone number and one of our staff members will give you a call to to schedule an mpox vaccine appointment. Our phone numbers have an 845 area code.
    • The Jacobs Family Pride Wellness Center of Montefiore Nyack Pride Wellness Center may also be able to help you schedule a mpox vaccine appointment: call 845-348-7284 or visit https://www.montefiorenyack.org/pride-wellness-center

Vaccination to protect against mpox is free. You will not be asked about immigration status. 

Where can I get more information about mpox?

Resources on mpox for individuals:

Resources on mpox for providers:

Resources on mpox for institutions: