You can get a mpox vaccine if you are:
- in an at-risk group
- identified as a close contact of someone who has mpox — health professionals will let you know if you should get a mpox vaccine
At-risk groups
You can get a mpox vaccine if you are a man or transgender person who has sex with men, and one of the following applies to you:
- You have been diagnosed with a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months. For example gonorrhoea, syphilis or chlamydia.
- You have been diagnosed with genital herpes for the first time in the past 6 months.
- You have had 3 or more sexual partners in the past 3 months.
- You have had group sex in the past 6 months.
- You have had sex in a sex-on-premises venue in the past 6 months — this can include a sauna, dark room or sex club.
Book a mpox vaccination appointment
Book a mpox vaccine appointment online if you are over 18 and you:
- are in an at-risk group
- have not had mpox
- have not had a mpox vaccine or you have only received your first dose
If you have already received your first dose abroad you can book your second dose online. Wait at least 4 weeks since your first dose. Tell your vaccinator that this is your second dose.
We will not ask about your sexual practices when you book online or when you are being vaccinated.
If you are 16 or 17 and in at-risk group, you can book an appointment by calling HSE Live on 1800 700 700.
Going to your appointment
Bring ID to your appointment.
About the vaccine
The smallpox vaccine can be used to protect against mpox. This is because mpox is caused by a similar virus to smallpox. When the smallpox vaccine is used for mpox, we call it the mpox vaccine.
How the mpox vaccine is given
Most people will get the vaccine through an injection between layers of skin in your forearm. This is a smaller dose but gives you the same protection as an injection under your skin.
Doses of mpox vaccine
If you are a close contact of someone with mpox, you will get 1 dose of the mpox vaccine. Some close contacts will get 2 doses.
If you book a vaccine you will get 2 doses of the mpox vaccine, at least 28 days apart.
If you had a smallpox vaccine before, you only need 1 dose of the vaccine. But if you have a weak immune system, you will need 2 doses. Vaccines may be less effective for you than other people.
Protection from mpox after vaccine
It takes 14 days after your course of the vaccine for it to work.
There is a chance you might still get mpox, even if you have had the vaccine. But it may reduce any symptoms of mpox.
Who should not get the mpox vaccine
If you have had mpox, you do not need to get the mpox vaccine.
Do not get the mpox vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the vaccine ingredients, including:
- chicken protein
- benzonase
- gentamicin
- ciprofloxacin
- Trometamol
Mpox vaccine side effects
The most common side effects of the vaccine are:
- headache
- nausea
- muscle pain (myalgia)
- tiredness
- reactions where you got the vaccine, including pain, redness, swelling, hardening and itching
These may affect more than 1 in 10 people.
Reporting side effects
You can report a side effect on the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) website.
Report a side effect - hpra.ie
You can report it yourself, or your doctor or family member can do that for you.
Mpox vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines
If you are due a COVID-19 vaccine dose, you can get it 4 weeks after your mpox vaccine.
If you have recently had a COVID-19 vaccine dose, you can get the mpox vaccine any time after this. You do not need to wait 4 weeks.