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On May 7, 2022, the world was alerted to a confirmed case of monkeypox in the United Kingdom. Since then, the virus has spread to many countries including the United States, and the World

Health Organization has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

On August 4, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency in the United States. 

VA is working in close collaboration with local and state public health authorities, as well as other federal agencies like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to ensure

Veterans have access to testing, treatment, and prevention tools, such as antivirals and vaccines. In addition, VA is closely following clinical, infection control, and occupational health

guidance provided by the CDC.

Although recent spread of monkeypox cases is alarming, the virus is far less contagious than COVID-19. Monkeypox spreads by very close and/or prolonged contact with someone with symptoms,

while COVID-19 can spread from an infected person who has no symptoms.

VA will receive approximately 13,000 vials of JYNNEOS™ monkeypox vaccine from Department of Health and Human Services as early as the end of August. Once VA receives its initial allocation

of the vaccine, it will begin offering the JYNNEOS™ vaccine to Veterans at risk of infection.

For Veterans who need the vaccine, the series requires 2 doses per person, 28 days apart.

Any person who comes in direct skin-to-skin contact with another who is infected may catch monkeypox. The current outbreak has, for now, disproportionately affected the gay, bisexual, and

other men who have sex with men who should be prioritized for vaccine based on their personal risk of exposure. VA is following CDC guidelines and prioritizing individuals for the vaccine

based on their personal risk of exposure.

Veterans are encouraged to contact their primary care team for more information.