Mpox Vaccine

Protecting Yourself With the Mpox Vaccine

The Mpox vaccine remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from both Clade I and Clade II Mpox. Desert Oasis Healthcare encourages community members—especially those at higher risk of exposure or severe disease—to stay informed about vaccine eligibility and availability.

While vaccination is recommended for prevention, certain patients who become sick may benefit from additional treatment options, such as TPOXX (Tecovirimat). This antiviral medication may help reduce symptoms and speed recovery in people with Mpox who are at higher risk.

TPOXX (Tecovirimat) Treatment Eligibility

TPOXX is not a vaccine—it is an antiviral medication that may be considered for treatment of Mpox infection in certain individuals.
Healthcare providers may recommend TPOXX for patients who:

Have severe Mpox disease, such as:

• Hemorrhagic disease

• Extensive or confluent lesions

• Sepsis

• Encephalitis

• Illness requiring hospitalization

Are at high risk for severe disease, including:

• People with immunocompromising conditions
  (HIV/AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma, cancers, organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases with immune deficiency, or those receiving immunosuppressive therapies)

• Children younger than 8 years old

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

• People with significant skin conditions, such as:

  • Atopic dermatitis

  • Eczema

  • Burns

  • Psoriasis

  • Severe acne

  • Severe diaper dermatitis

  • Herpes simplex or varicella infections

  • Darier disease

People experiencing complications, including:

• Secondary bacterial infections

• Gastroenteritis with severe dehydration

• Bronchopneumonia

• Significant comorbidities

People with infections affecting sensitive body areas, such as:

• Eyes

• Mouth

• Genitals or anus

Early Treatment Option

TPOXX may also be started before test confirmation if Mpox is strongly suspected and the patient meets the above clinical criteria.

How to Access TPOXX in Riverside County

Patients who meet eligibility for TPOXX require coordination through public health authorities.
Healthcare providers in Riverside County should contact:
RUHS Public Health – Disease Control Program: 951.358.5107
For consultation on testing, treatment guidance, and infection control.

Standard Mpox Vaccination (JYNNEOS)

In addition to treatment options like TPOXX, vaccination remains the best defense for individuals at risk of exposure. The JYNNEOS vaccine helps prevent severe illness and is recommended for:

• Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men

• Transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse individuals

• People with HIV or those taking HIV PrEP or doxy-PEP

• Anyone exposed to Mpox in the past 14 days

• Individuals planning travel to regions with Mpox transmission

• People attending sex-on-premises events (bathhouses, clubs)

• Anyone who requests the vaccine, even without disclosing specific risk factors