What Vermonters Can Do
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Anyone with a rash that looks like mpox (which may look like pimples, blisters or sores) should talk to their health care provider, even if they don’t think they've had contact with someone who has mpox. If they do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care, or contact the nearest federally qualified health center or one of Vermont's free & referral clinics.
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Consider getting the free vaccine if you are eligible. Learn more about mpox vaccines
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Make informed choices when in spaces or situations where mpox could be spread.
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Cases of mpox have been reported in many countries around the world. Be safe when traveling abroad by avoiding close contact, including sexual contact, with people who are sick or have a rash, and wash your hands often.
Learn more about prevention (CDC)
How it Spreads
Mpox can spread to anyone through close and often skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected. It also spreads by sharing items, like clothing, bedding, and towels, used by someone who is infected. At this time, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases and might be at higher risk of coming into contact with the virus.
Learn more about transmission (CDC)
Symptoms
The most common symptom of illness from mpox is a rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores. It can also look like other more common rashes such as chicken pox, syphilis, or shingles. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.
Learn more about symptoms (CDC)
Vaccines and Treatment
Vaccination is FREE and available regardless of immigration status.
Eligibility
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Gay, bisexual, and other men or trans people who have sex with men, who had or expect to have more than one (1) sexual partner.
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People who have had recent exposures to individuals with confirmed mpox infections.
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People who have had recent exposures to individuals with possible mpox infections.
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Certain health care and laboratory personnel whose jobs regularly put them at high risk of exposure to the virus, such as performing testing or caring for multiple people infected with mpox.
People who are eligible should get the JYNNEOS vaccine even if they were previously vaccinated against smallpox. Previous smallpox vaccination may not provide complete or lifelong protection against mpox.
How to Get Vaccines
Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated or you can make an appointment at one of the following providers:
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Planned Parenthood – All locations (patients and non-patients accepted)
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Community Health Centers of Burlington – Limited locations (current patients only)
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University of Vermont Infectious Disease/Comprehensive Care Clinic – Limited locations (current patients only)
If you are unable to access one of the sites listed above for any reason, please connect with your local health office to get vaccinated.
The JYNNEOS vaccine helps protect against mpox when given before or shortly after an exposure. The vaccine is two doses, given four weeks apart. Appointments can be made for first and second doses. If you received your first dose in another state or country, you can get your second dose in Vermont.
Treatment
Treatment is available if you are diagnosed with mpox and your health care provider determines that you need it. If you do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care, or contact the nearest federally qualified health center or one of Vermont's Free & Referral Clinics.
Videos in Multiple Languages
"How Mpox Spreads and Symptoms" from Vermont Language Justice Project.
English | American Sign Language / العربية / Arabic | မြန်မာစာ / Burmese | دری / Dari | Français / French | Kirundi | Maay Maay | Mandarin Chinese | नेपाली / Nepali | پښتو / Pashto | Soomaali / Somali | Español / Spanish | Swahili | українська / Ukrainian | Tiếng Việt / Vietnamese