Healthcare Professionals

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Page last updated 8/15/2024.

Actions Requested

Vaccinate people who are vulnerable to mpox or who request the vaccine, with two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine separated by 28 days.
1. Ensure low-barrier and patient-centered access to the vaccine by:
  1. Making it readily available, even if a patient does not report a specific risk factor for mpox;
  2. Addressing stigma by discussing mpox vaccine in a similar manner to routine vaccines, such as influenza and COVID-19;
  3. Using a shared decision-making process with patients regarding route of administration (subcutaneous vs. intradermal) and anatomic site of administration; and
  4. Helping patients address barriers (e.g., transportation) that may impede access to the vaccine.
2. Encourage people who have received one dose of JYNNEOS to get their second dose.
Educate patients, regardless of vaccination status or previous history of mpox, who are vulnerable to mpox about non-pharmaceutical protective measures that can reduce risk of infection.
Consider and test for mpox when determining the cause of a diffuse or localized rash, including in patients who were previously infected with mpox or vaccinated against mpox.
1. Have a high index of suspicion for mpox for patients with anogenital lesions or proctitis who are vulnerable to mpox, regardless of whether prodromal symptoms are reported.
2. Collect, process, and submit specimens for mpox testing based on the specific requirements of the laboratory that will perform the testing, which is widely available.
3. Also consider other infections that can cause lesions similar to mpox (e.g., syphilis, genital herpes, molluscum contagiosum, varicella zoster virus), although the presence of these does not rule out mpox (i.e., co-infections can occur).
Offer referral to the STOMP trial to any patient with laboratory-confirmed or presumptive mpox who has at least one active lesion(s) with symptom onset within 14 days.
1. Patients who have used oral or IV TPOXX or are likely to need IV TPOXX are not eligible for STOMP.
2. Inform patients that participation can be in-person and/or 100% remote via video, and travel to a study site is not required. Reassure pregnant people, children, and participants with severe mpox, immunosuppression, or specific skin conditions (e.g., eczema) that they will receive TPOXX and will not be in the randomized part of the study.
3. For people who decline participation in STOMP and have a medical indication for TPOXX, obtain TPOXX through MHOAC and enroll as a TPOXX provider under CDC’s EA-IND protocol.
Provide supportive care and pain control to all patients who are diagnosed with mpox.
Report confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of mpox to the County HIV, STD, and Hepatitis Branch within one working day using a Confidential Morbidity Report faxed to (619) 692-8541 or sent by secure e-mail to phs-hshb-stdreporting-fax.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov.