Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Monkeypox Vaccination
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that occurs mainly in the rain forest countries of central and west Africa. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. In Africa, people who got the smallpox vaccine in the past had a lower risk of monkeypox. CDC has sent out guidelines explaining when smallpox vaccine should be used to protect against monkeypox. For example, people taking care of pets or someone infected with monkeypox should think about getting vaccinated.
What You Should Know:
For Health Professionals:
What You Should Know
In early June 2003, the first outbreak of human monkeypox was reported among several people in the United States who got sick after having contact with sick pet prairie dogs.
- CDC's main monkeypox website
- Monkeypox: What You Should Know also: en español
- Tracking Monkeypox
A virus that can jump from animals to humans - Questions and Answers
- Pictures of Monkeypox
Warning: Some of these photos are quite graphic. - Monkeypox in Animals: The Basics for People Who Have Contact with Animals
- Side Effects
- Smallpox Vaccine and Monkeypox
- Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
The smallpox vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox as well as smallpox. - Questions and Answers
As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort.
For Health Professionals
Clinical Information on Monkeypox
- Monkeypox
Information for Clinicians
Human case definition, email updates, guidance on infection control... - Infection Control & Exposure Management
- Laboratory Testing of Human & Animal Specimens
- Treatment
- Vaccination
Recommendations
References and Resources
- MMWR & Other Reference Materials
- FDA
Monkeypox site
U.S. Food & Drug Admin. (FDA), Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) - Monkeypox rising in wake of smallpox eradication
MedlinePlus (August 31, 2010)
Materials for Patients
- Vaccination: Patient-education
- Vaccine
Information Statement (VIS)
The smallpox vaccine can protect people from getting monkeypox as well as smallpox.
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Content last reviewed on March 2, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases