On this page

What the mpox vaccine protects you from

Mpox is an illness most commonly passed on through contact with the blisters or sores of someone who has mpox.

Mpox does not spread easily between people unless there is very close physical (skin-to-skin) or sexual contact.

While anyone can get mpox, globally mpox has mostly affected:

  • gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
  • people who have sex with MSM — this may include people of any gender or sexual identity, including transgender, cisgender and non-binary people.

There is higher risk for those with multiple sexual partners.

The best way to protect against mpox is for eligible people to get immunised. By getting immunised, the vaccine will help to prevent you from getting mpox and it will also reduce complications such as pain and infection in those who develop the illness.

It is important to understand that you can still develop mpox after receiving the vaccine. This generally happens to up to 1 in 5 people. Because of this risk, you will still need to take steps to avoid being exposed to mpox even after your vaccine, however mpox symptoms will be much milder and the chance of serious complications will be lower in those who are vaccinated.

Find out more about mpox symptoms, spread and treatment.

Mpox

Who should get the mpox vaccine

People who are at highest risk of mpox in Aotearoa are eligible to receive the mpox vaccine. This includes people aged 18 and over, and who are in the following groups:

  • gay, bisexual, takatāpui and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), transgender or non-binary people
  • anyone living with HIV
  • a close contact of a person with mpox
  • a sexual partner of anyone in the above groups.

If you are under the age of 18 and at risk of getting mpox, you can receive the vaccine but you will need a prescription. Talk to your healthcare provider or vaccinator about this.

There is limited information about receiving the mpox vaccine during pregnancy. But getting mpox while pregnant may cause severe illness in the mother and affect your unborn child, or cause miscarriage or premature delivery.

It is not known if the mpox vaccine can be transferred to a breastfeeding baby, but it is very unlikely to cause them harm.

Talk to your healthcare provider or vaccinator to discuss if the mpox vaccine is suitable for you while you are pregnant or to see if it is appropriate to have the vaccine while you are breastfeeding.

When to get the mpox vaccine

Eligible people can consider getting the mpox vaccine at any time. The sooner you are protected, the better.

If you are in the group of people at higher risk of getting mpox, it is recommended that you ensure you are fully immunised before you participate in activities where you could have close skin-to-skin contact with others. This includes group events in Aotearoa or overseas where the risk of being exposed to mpox will be higher.

How much the mpox vaccine costs

The mpox vaccine is currently free, however some providers, including general practices, may charge an administration fee for the consultation. The amount you will be charged may differ between individual healthcare providers. The vaccine is free at some sexual health clinics.

Contact the healthcare provider you would like to receive the vaccine from and ask them about any costs involved before you book an appointment to get immunised. 

How to book an mpox vaccine

If you would like to book an mpox vaccine, you can contact:

A list of vaccine clinics offering mpox vaccinations is also available on the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa website.

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa | Mpox vaccines

Which vaccine is used

In Aotearoa, the JYNNEOS vaccine is available to eligible people to help prevent getting or spreading mpox and to reduce complications in those who develop the illness.

It is recommended you have 2 vaccine doses, a minimum 28 days apart. One dose gives good protection from severe disease. Protection starts from 2 weeks after your first vaccine dose.

The mpox vaccine is made from the same family of viruses that cause smallpox and mpox. The vaccine cannot give you smallpox or mpox.

Side effects and reactions

As with any vaccine, you may experience some reactions. Most reactions are mild, do not last long and happen in the first few days after getting the vaccine.

Common reactions may include:

  • local injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling and hardening)
  • headache
  • feeling tired
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • chills.

The current evidence suggests there is minimal increased risk of serious reactions related to the mpox vaccine, including no evidence of it causing myocarditis or pericarditis.

Seek urgent medical attention

You should seek urgent medical attention if you get any of these new symptoms after receiving a vaccine or if you are concerned you have had an unexpected reaction:

  • tightness, heaviness, discomfort or pain in your chest or neck
  • difficulty breathing or catching your breath
  • feeling faint, dizzy or light-headed
  • a fluttering, racing or pounding heart, or feeling like it is 'skipping beats'
  • unusual neurological symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, weakness or numbness of parts of your body.

The JYNNEOS vaccine cannot be given if you have had a previous allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past.

Anaphylaxis

Your healthcare provider or vaccinator will discuss these side effects and reactions with you and provide information to you on where to seek help if you experience these.

You can also free call Healthline on 0800 611 116