Trevor James
Monkeypox, now known as Mpox, is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It is unrelated to chickenpox, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. As such, having had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine will not protect you from Mpox. However, since Mpox and smallpox are from the same virus family, the smallpox vaccine can provide some protection against Mpox.
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What You'll Learn
Chickenpox and monkeypox are unrelated viruses
Monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It is unrelated to the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. Therefore, having had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine will not protect you from mpox.
Chickenpox and mpox are caused by unrelated viruses. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, while mpox is caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus in the Poxviridae family, which includes variola, cowpox, vaccinia, and other viruses. The varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox is not a member of the pox family of viruses.
The mpox virus was first discovered in Denmark in 1958 in monkeys kept for research. The first reported human case of mpox was in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks of mpox in Africa and a significant outbreak in the United States in 2003.
Mpox and smallpox are closely related viruses, and vaccines developed for smallpox have been found to provide some protection against mpox as well. The ACAM2000 vaccine, a smallpox vaccine, has been shown to protect against mpox and other pox viruses. The JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose mpox vaccine, is also available and provides protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from mpox.
While mpox and smallpox are related, chickenpox is caused by a different, unrelated virus. Therefore, the chickenpox vaccine does not provide protection against mpox. It is important to note that mpox vaccines are available and can provide protection against the disease.
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Smallpox vaccines can protect against monkeypox
Since the recent outbreak of monkeypox, previously known as mpox, in May 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the global spread of the disease a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern". Monkeypox is transmitted through direct physical contact with an infected individual or their bodily fluids, and sores may be present inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus, making sexual transmission possible.
As there are currently no treatments specifically for monkeypox, the focus has turned to vaccines. It is important to note that chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is not a member of the pox family of viruses, so having had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine does not make one immune to monkeypox. However, smallpox and monkeypox are closely related, and it has been found that smallpox vaccines can provide some protection against monkeypox. Studies have shown that infection rates were lower in the smallpox-vaccinated group than in the unvaccinated group, and that smallpox vaccination effectively reduced the risk of severe monkeypox infection. The ACAM2000 vaccine, which has been available for some time, can protect against smallpox and any other pox virus. The JYNNEOS vaccine, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, is a newer vaccine that is now being distributed to those most at risk.
It is believed that adults who received the smallpox vaccine during the nationwide program in effect from the late 1940s until 1972 have continuing immunity. However, because we haven't vaccinated people against smallpox in 50 years, nearly half of the current US population doesn't have immunity to smallpox or monkeypox. This has made younger generations more susceptible to monkeypox, with teens, people in their 20s, and 30-year-olds being the most susceptible population.
While more research is needed to fully understand the role of the smallpox vaccine in preventing monkeypox, the current evidence suggests that smallpox vaccines can provide protection against monkeypox infection and reduce the risk of severe disease.
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Monkeypox vaccines are available for adults and children
Monkeypox, now referred to as Mpox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It was first discovered in monkeys in Denmark in 1958, and the first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, Mpox has been reported in several African countries and beyond.
Mpox is spread through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or infected animals. The illness is characterised by a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2-4 weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
As Mpox is related to smallpox, vaccines developed for smallpox can provide some protection against Mpox. The ACAM2000 vaccine, for instance, is injected into the shoulder and causes a localised infection, teaching the body to defend against smallpox and other pox viruses, including Mpox. However, this vaccine carries higher risks as the virus can spread to other parts of the body.
The JYNNEOS vaccine (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) is a newer, two-dose vaccine specifically developed to protect against Mpox and smallpox. It can be administered subcutaneously or intradermally. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first, and individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose.
The CDC and ACIP recommend the JYNNEOS vaccine for Mpox prevention, and federal agencies are working to incorporate this vaccine into their programs to ensure broad access. Vaccination is recommended for people at high risk of contracting Mpox, especially during outbreaks. It can be administered before or after exposure to the virus, but it is most effective in preventing Mpox if given within 4 days of exposure.
While vaccination can help prevent Mpox, it is important to continue taking precautions even after vaccination, such as avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals. Additionally, those who have recovered from Mpox are very unlikely to contract it again, and the illness is generally milder if it does occur.
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The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two-dose vaccine
The JYNNEOS vaccine is considered effective in preventing mpox, especially when administered within four days of exposure. It is recommended for individuals who know or suspect they have been exposed to mpox in the last 14 days. Additionally, certain high-risk groups, such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals, are encouraged to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is covered by public and private insurance and is accessible regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
It is important to note that individuals with allergies to vaccine ingredients or chicken or egg protein should consult a healthcare provider before receiving the JYNNEOS vaccine. Mild reactions to the vaccine, such as soreness and redness at the injection site, are considered normal and typically resolve without treatment. However, in the case of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, further medical advice should be sought.
While the JYNNEOS vaccine specifically targets mpox and smallpox, it is important to understand the relationship between these viruses and chickenpox. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is not a member of the pox family of viruses. Therefore, having had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine does not confer immunity to mpox. However, smallpox and mpox belong to the same virus family, and vaccines developed for smallpox, such as JYNNEOS, can provide cross-protection against mpox.
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Monkeypox is not spread by monkeys
Monkeypox, now referred to as Mpox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which is a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Despite the name, the virus is not spread by monkeys. The name comes from the fact that the virus was discovered in monkeys kept for research in Denmark in 1958. The animal reservoir of the monkeypox virus remains unknown.
Mpox is closely related to smallpox, and the two viruses are caused by similar but distinct viruses. Mpox causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear. The rash caused by mpox can appear as sores on the mouth, face, hands, feet, penis, vagina, or anus. Some people have a widespread rash, while others only have a few bumps or blisters.
Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with someone who has mpox, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. Animal-to-human transmission occurs from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals.
While there is no proven treatment for mpox, the disease usually goes away on its own. Vaccines for smallpox provide some protection against the rapidly spreading mpox virus, and distribution of these vaccines is now being offered to those at the highest risk. The ACAM2000 vaccine, which has been available for some time, can protect against smallpox and any other pox virus. The newer JYNNEOS vaccine also provides protection against mpox, and people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the chickenpox vaccine does not protect you from monkeypox. Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is unrelated to the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox.
Monkeypox is caused by a virus from the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. As a result, the smallpox vaccine can provide some protection against monkeypox.
The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two-dose vaccine that provides the best protection against monkeypox. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose.
