Smallpox/Monkeypox VIS

Smallpox/monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS^™) can help protect against smallpox, monkeypox, and other diseases caused by orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia virus.

Smallpox is a very serious disease caused by variola virus. Some people continue to be at risk of exposure to the virus that causes smallpox, including people who work in emergency preparedness and some laboratory workers. The virus can spread from person to person, causing symptoms including fever and a skin rash. Many people who had smallpox in the past recovered, but about 3 out of every 10 people with the disease died.

Monkeypox is a rare disease with symptoms that are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. However, monkeypox can cause death. Monkeypox is an emerging infection in Africa and outbreaks of imported cases of monkeypox sometimes happen in other countries, including the United States.

Vaccinia virus can cause disease when people are exposed to infected people (such as exposure to someone who has recently been vaccinated with ACAM2000^®, another type of smallpox vaccine) or animals. People who work with vaccinia virus in laboratories can be accidentally exposed to the virus, and if they become infected, they can get sick. However, most vaccinia virus infections resolve on their own without treatment.

Smallpox/monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS^™) is made using weakened live vaccinia virus and cannot cause smallpox, monkeypox, or any other infectious disease.

JYNNEOS^™ is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prevention of smallpox and monkeypox disease in adults 18 years or older at high risk for smallpox or monkeypox infection.

• CDC recommends JYNNEOS^™ for certain laboratory workers and emergency response team members who might be exposed to the viruses that cause orthopoxvirus infections.
• CDC recommends consideration of the vaccine for people who administer ACAM2000^®, or who care for patients infected with orthopoxviruses.

JYNNEOS^™ is usually administered as a series of 2 injections, 4 weeks apart. People who have received smallpox vaccine in the past might only need 1 dose.

Booster doses are recommended every 2 or 10 years if a person remains at continued risk for exposure to smallpox, monkeypox, or other orthopoxviruses. Your health care provider can give you more information.

An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.

For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program is a federal program that may help pay for costs of medical care and other specific expenses of certain people who have been seriously injured by certain medicines or vaccines. If you have been injured by smallpox/monkeypox vaccine, you can learn more about this Program by visiting the program’s website, or calling 1-855-266-2427 (855-266-CICP).

• Ask your health care provider.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Visit the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccine package inserts and additional information.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  • Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
  • Visit CDC’s monkeypox website