Can I get a vaccine to prevent monkeypox even if I have not been exposed, like if I plan to travel to an area that has monkeypox?

Only a person who has likely been exposed to monkeypox already is eligible for vaccination.

We recommend you take precautions to protect yourself including avoiding skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox; not handing or touching the bedding, towels or clothing of a person who knows they have monkeypox; and washing your hands or using hand sanitizer often.

Show All Answers

1. What is monkeypox?
2. How is monkeypox spread?
3. Who can get monkeypox?
4. What should I do if I have a new or unexplained rash (or other symptoms)?
5. Can I get tested for monkeypox?
6. How can I get vaccinated against monkeypox?
7. Can I get the vaccine if I was exposed to monkeypox more than 14 days ago?
8. Can I get a vaccine to prevent monkeypox even if I have not been exposed, like if I plan to travel to an area that has monkeypox?
9. What can I do to protect myself?
10. How severe can monkeypox be?
11. Is monkeypox going to be another pandemic like COVID-19?
12. How can I learn more about monkeypox?