Vaccination

Transmission

Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person to person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. It can also be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact (3+ hours), or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Being vaccinated is a way to prevent Monkeypox by up to 85%. See our vaccination calculator to find on what date you will receive maximum immunity. If you are exposed to Monkeypox and receive the vaccine within 4 days, there is a lower chance of transmission. If you are vaccinated 4-14 days after exposure, it may not prevent transmission but it can reduce symptoms of monkeypox. It is still possible to get Monkeypox after being vaccinated so continue to take precautions even if vaccinated.

Vaccinations

Due to the limited supply of the Monkeypox vaccine (MPV), the CDC has indicated you should consider getting vaccinated if:

  • You are HIV positive.
  • You are immunocompromised.
  • You are a man who has sex with men.
  • You identify as transgender and/or non-binary.
  • Are on PrEP or qualify for PrEP (qualifications vary by clinic).
  • Have had more than one sexual/intimate partners in the last 90 days.
  • Have had casual or sexual contact with someone with a diagnosis of Monkeypox. This includes members of your immediate household.

There are limited supplies of the Monkeypox vaccination, and priority is given to those most at risk.

The full vaccination process requires two shots, a month apart. The vaccination (JYNNEOS) will be given intradermally (under the skin). This is different than a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine which are given intramuscularly (in the muscle).

Where to Get Vaccinated

Minneapolis:

Saint Paul:

Saint Louis Park:

Stillwater:

Saint Cloud:

Duluth:

Visit Monkeypox Vaccine Locator for more locations! You may also request vaccination through your primary medical providers at HealthPartners, Allina, Sanford and Fairview health systems but your particular location may not have it readily available so make sure to check with your provider before scheduling.

Call us at 612-424-2231 if you need coaching in what to say to your providers.

Intradermal Vs. Subcutaneous Vaccination

On August 9th, 2022 the FDA issued an emergency use authorization to begin giving the Monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS) intradermally for people ages 18+ who do not have a history of keloid scarring.

What is the difference between intradermal and subcutaneous vaccination?

  • Intradermal: A shallow injection that is injected just under the skin. It will create a bump (sometimes called a “wheal”) under the skin which indicates the injection was successful. The bump may cause some mild irritation or redness but will resolve. Don’t mess with or put pressure on the bump and allow it to heal on its own.
  • Subcutaneous: An injection that is injected into the fat layer, deeper than an intradermal injection but not as deep as an intramuscular (in the muscle) injection. Can be injected in the fat in the back of the arm or less commonly in the fat on the stomach. May also cause mild irritation and redness that will heal on its own.

Why did the FDA choose to switch Monkeypox vaccination to intradermal injections?

  • When administrating an intradermal injection, the “dose” is still the same as a subcutaneous injection but has a lower volume/amount used while still being effective. This allows for more people to get vaccinated since less volume is being used per person.
  • Skin has more immune-building cells so it has a quicker immune response as opposed to fatty tissue. Your skin is used to responding quickly and efficiently to heal cuts/abrasions/etc so when the vaccine is given under the skin, the immune building cells don’t need as much vaccine to build a response.

If I received a subcutaneous injection for my first vaccine will I get an intradermal injection instead for my second dose?

  • Yes, you will receive an intradermal injection for your second dose even if you had it done subcutaneously the first time. You’ll get the same level of protection after a second dose with either route of administration but in order to allow for more community-members to be vaccinated we have switched to intradermal injection.

Last updated 10/11/22.