Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Mpox (Monkeypox Virus) is a rare, but potentially serious, viral illness which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. Infection typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. There is currently a global and national outbreak of mpox. CDC posts a case count for Rhode Island and all states. Additional demographic data on Rhode Island's mpox cases is available on RIDOH's mpox data page.
Symptoms of mpox can include:
Sometimes people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. Most infections last two to four weeks and resolve on their own, but some cases can become severe.
Key points to know:
While many of the identified cases are within networks of self-identified gay and bisexual men, trans people, and men who have sex with men, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected and spread mpox.
Public awareness is important as the disease could spread within potentially larger groups or networks of people. RIDOH urges the media, government officials and the community at-large to avoid stigmatizing a particular group or person for mpox, but rather support those at highest risk and ensure that all communities remain vigilant.
Getting Vaccinated
There are several clinics in Rhode Island that offer vaccines to prevent mpox infection. For a list of these clinics and how to make an appointment at one of them, see below. The JYNNEOS vaccine is free and there is no out-of-pocket cost associated with vaccination. You do not need insurance to get the JYNNEOS vaccine. However, private vaccinators (e.g., healthcare clinics and pharmacies) may bill someone’s health insurance (if they have insurance) for administering the vaccine.
Please remember that JYNNEOS is a two-dose series. Your second dose should be at least 28 days after your first dose.
Getting vaccinated before you are exposed to mpox is the best way to prevent disease. For best protection, two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine spaced 28 days apart are recommended. A CDC analysis indicated that among JYNNEOS vaccine-eligible men aged 18–49 years in 43 U.S. jurisdictions, mpox incidence among unvaccinated persons was 9.6 times as high as that among persons who had received 2 vaccine doses and 7.4 times as high as that among persons who had received only the first dose. Preliminary evidence indicates no difference in protection between subcutaneous and intradermal administration routes.
If you have already been exposed, getting vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure to someone with mpox (ideally within 4 days) may help prevent the disease, or make it less severe.
Please ask about administration fees before your vaccination. If you have insurance through someone else’s policy and are concerned about an Explanation of Benefits being sent to the policyholder, you may also contact your health insurer to find out the process under the law for requesting an explanation of benefits sent directly to you instead of the policy holder.
Eligibility
Anyone of any sexual orientation or gender identity who is at risk for mpox can get vaccinated. See below for details, including recommendations on who should get vaccinated. People who can be vaccinated include:
The current mpox outbreak has affected some populations more than others. In addition, the risk of getting mpox is higher among people who engage in certain activities or have certain health conditions. Based on this, the JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended for people who meet the above eligibility criteria and:
About JYNNEOS
JYNNEOS is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox in people age 18 or older who are considered at high-risk for smallpox or mpox infection.
JYNNEOS is a two-dose vaccine series. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first dose. Full protection is achieved 14 days after the second dose. You are fully protected 14 days after the second dose.
This vaccine does not contain the viruses that cause smallpox or mpox. The vaccine is made using the vaccinia virus, a virus is similar to but less harmful than the viruses that cause smallpox and mpox.
Mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs developed for smallpox may be used to treat mpox infections. Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for some people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems. Not all patients are clinically eligible. In close consultation with patients’ healthcare providers and the CDC, RIDOH is authorizing and coordinating the use of treatment for eligible patients.
Healthcare providers should review RIDOH’s latest provider advisories related to mpox and CDC's information for healthcare providers.
Please find the latest information about mpox from CDC below (this content may take a moment to load):