Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of mpox. 

You can also protect yourself from mpox by avoiding sex and other intimate contact with multiple or anonymous partners. 

More information about mpox prevention is available online. You can also talk with a nurse by phone.

Online

Learn how to protect yourself and others from mpox.

By Phone

Mpox symptoms usually start seven to 14 days after exposure. In some cases they may not appear for up to 21 days.

The most common symptom is a rash or sores that look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over your body or only on certain parts, such as the face, hands, or feet. The rash or sores may also be inside your mouth, genitals, or anus. Symptoms can last for two to four weeks.

Before or when the rash appears, you may have flu-like symptoms. This includes fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and tiredness. In some cases, mpox can cause severe illness.

Experiencing Symptoms

If you start experiencing symptoms, even if they are mild, isolate from others immediately and talk to your health care provider. They will check your symptoms and may order testing.

You can talk with a nurse by phone if you don't have a health care provider.

You should only get tested for mpox if you are experiencing symptoms. Testing involves a provider taking a swab of a sore.

If you have a new or unexpected rash or other symptoms of mpox, you should see a doctor or other health care provider for testing. They will check your symptoms and may order testing.  The Health Department does not provide mpox testing.

Only your doctor or health care provider — not the Health Department — can give you the test result. While you are waiting for your test result, which can take a few days, isolate from others.

You can talk with a nurse by phone if you don’t have a health care provider and want some advice on how to find a healthcare provider who can do testing for mpox.

The mpox vaccine is available for New Yorkers meeting certain eligibility requirements. It's free and available regardless of immigration status.

Get the latest updates about mpox vaccines.

Eligibility

Anyone can get and spread mpox. People age 12 and older of any sexual orientation or gender identity can now get the vaccine, but they must meet certain conditions to be eligible.

You are eligible if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You have or may have multiple or anonymous sex partners
• You participate or may participate in group sex
• You have a sex partner who is eligible per the criteria above
• You know or suspect that you've been exposed to mpox in the last 14 days
• You consider yourself to be at risk for mpox through sex or other intimate contact

You can't get vaccinated if you have a fever, rash, or sores that may be mpox. Instead, separate from others and contact your health or other health care provider. If you don't have one, visit the Find a Doctor page.

Locations

The mpox vaccine is available on a walk-in basis only. Appointments are not available at this time.

Morrisania Clinic
1309 Fulton Avenue, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY 10456
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 12 PM; 1 PM – 3:30 PM

Closed on the last Thursday of every month.

Chelsea Clinic
303 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30 AM - 12 PM; 1 PM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 12 PM; 1 PM – 3:30 PM

Closed on the last Thursday of every month.

What to Bring

To prove your identity and age, you must bring one of the following:

• Driver’s license or non-driver ID
• IDNYC
• Birth certificate issued by a state or local government
• Current U.S. passport or valid foreign passport
• Permanent resident card
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Life insurance policy with birthdate
• Marriage certificate with birthdate

If you are 17 or younger, you must also have parental, guardian, or legal custodian consent. Your parent, guardian, or custodian may need to come with you or provide a written or verbal statement. Learn more about getting consent for minors.

There is no specific treatment approved for mpox. Most people get well on their own without treatment.

There is an antiviral medicine for some people who have tested positive for mpox. Talk to your doctor or other health care provider about getting the medicine.

You can talk with a nurse by phone if you want some advice on how to find a health care provider who can prescribe the medicine.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a dedicated phone line for use by doctors, nurses, and other health care providers.

If you are a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider, you can get information about mpox, including:

• Risks
• Symptoms
• Testing
• Treatment

You can also report a possible case of mpox.

If you want to order materials about mpox, including posters and palm cards, visit the Health and Mental Hygiene Literature page instead.