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Text: Monkeypox: Protect yourself and your partners.

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Monkeypox (Orthopoxvirus)

Go to: Transmission | Prevention | Symptoms

Vaccinations

Note: First- and second-dose appointments are now available. Walk-in vaccinations for first and second doses are also available at City-run sites, but we recommend you make an appointment. You can get a second dose as long as it has been at least 28 days after your first dose.

If you had monkeypox, then you likely have some protection against another infection and are currently not eligible for a first or second dose of the vaccine at this time.

If you are eligible, you can make an appointment by clicking on the button below, or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).


Monkeypox Vaccination Appointments

 

Learn more about monkeypox vaccinations, including who is eligible.

To get text alerts about vaccination appointments and other monkeypox updates for NYC, text “MONKEYPOX” to 692-692 or, for Spanish, text "MONKEYPOXESP".


Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. There is currently an outbreak of monkeypox in the U.S. and other countries where the virus does not usually spread.

Anyone can get and spread monkeypox. The current cases are primarily spreading through sex and other intimate contact among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM); transgender people; gender-nonconforming people; and nonbinary people. People in these social circles who have multiple or anonymous sex partners are at a high risk of exposure.

If you have a new or unexpected rash or sores, contact a health care provider.


Transmission

In the current outbreak, the monkeypox virus is spreading mainly during oral, anal and vaginal sex and other intimate contact, such as rimming, hugging, kissing, biting, cuddling and massage.

The virus can spread through:

  • Direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus
  • Contact with clothing, bedding and other items used by a person with monkeypox
  • Prolonged face-to-face contact

Experts are currently studying whether the virus can also spread through semen, saliva, feces and other body fluids.

People can spread the virus when they have symptoms. Experts are studying whether the virus can spread before symptoms start or after they end.


Prevention

The best way to protect yourself from monkeypox is to avoid sex and other intimate contact with multiple or anonymous partners.

If you choose to have sex or other intimate contact, the following can help reduce your risk:

  • Reduce your number of partners, especially those you do not know or whose recent sexual history you do not know.
  • Ask your partners if they have monkeypox symptoms or feel sick. If you or your partners are sick, especially if you or they have a new or unexpected rash or sore, do not have sex or close physical contact.
  • Avoid sex parties, circuit parties and other spaces where people are having sex and other intimate contact with multiple people.
  • If you choose to have sex or other intimate contact while sick, cover all rashes and sores with clothing or sealed bandages. This may reduce spread from contact with the rash or sores, but other methods of transmission may still be possible.
  • Since it may be possible the virus can be transmitted through semen, use latex or polyurethane condoms during sex.
  • Do not share towels, clothing, fetish gear, sex toys or toothbrushes.
  • Wash your hands, fetish gear and bedding. Sex toys should be washed after each use or sex act.

Prevention Resources


Symptoms

Six images of lesions to help identify monkeypox rash
Photo credit: UK Health Security Agency

In the current outbreak, hospitalization and death from monkeypox are rare, but symptoms can still be painful and interfere with daily activities.

Symptoms usually start in three to 17 days. They can last for two to four weeks.

The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals or anus. The rash and sores can be extremely itchy and painful, and sores in the anus or urethra can make it hard to go to the bathroom. Some people also have flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache and tiredness.

Complications can include inflammation of the lining of the rectum (proctitis), or sores that could result in scarring of the eye, mouth, anus or urethra.

We do not know if monkeypox causes long-term health problems.

Testing

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should see a health care provider for testing. If you do not have a provider, call 311 or search the NYC Health Map. You can only get tested for monkeypox if you are experiencing symptoms.

Testing involves a provider taking a swab of a sore. Only your provider — not the Health Department — can give you the test result.

If You Have Symptoms

If you start experiencing symptoms, even if they are mild, talk to your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call 311 or search the NYC Health Map. A provider will check your symptoms and may order testing.

For more information on the precautions you should take to keep yourself and others safe, visit Monkeypox: What to Do When Sick.


For more information about monkeypox, call 311.


Additional Resources