Monkeypox vaccine eligibility restrictions have now been lifted!

Earlier this year, there was a major shortage of monkeypox vaccine in the United States. In order to save vaccine doses for the people who needed it most, the Health Department limited who could get vaccinated. Now, thanks to thousands of Philadelphians getting safely vaccinated and a strategy to get more vaccine doses out of each bottle, we have enough for anyone who feels they need monkeypox vaccine.

Who should get vaccinated?

Anyone can get vaccinated against monkeypox. The Health Department strongly encourages people who are more likely to encounter monkeypox to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

During the current outbreak, most people who have come into contact with or gotten monkeypox have been men who have sex with men, men who identify as gay or bisexual, and people who are transgender. We also encourage sex workers of any sex or gender to get vaccinated. People who have had close personal contact with someone described above should get vaccinated as well.

It’s important to remember that monkeypox is spread by close intimate contact, including sex. Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who has it can get it. Monkeypox is not typically spread by casual contact, like sitting next to someone on a bus, or sharing something.

How can I get vaccinated?

The Health Department is working with health clinics, pharmacies, and community organizations to make sure that monkeypox vaccine is available. The latest updated list of places where the vaccine is available can be found on the Health Department’s Monkeypox Vaccine page.

If you have questions about where you can get vaccinated, please call the Health Department’s Call Center at (215) 685-5488.