NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to be a key partner in New York City’s response to the monkeypox public health emergency. Our health system is committed to making testing, vaccination, and treatment accessible to eligible New Yorkers.
Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox.
In the current outbreak, cases are primarily spreading through sex and other intimate contact among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM); transgender people; gender-nonconforming people; and nonbinary people who have anonymous or multiple sexual partners.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals or rectum.
If you start experiencing symptoms, isolate from others immediately and talk to your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC or talk to a doctor online at: expresscare.nyc.
Testing
You should get tested for monkeypox only if you are experiencing symptoms of a rash or developed sores.
The test consists of swabbing skin lesions and must be done by a health care professional and sent to a laboratory for processing. It is important to isolate from others while you are waiting for your test results, which may take several days. Testing is available at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities.
To find out if you should get tested, call your doctor or talk to an NYC Health + Hospitals Virtual ExpressCare doctor online at expresscare.nyc.
Vaccination Appointments
The JYNNEOS vaccine is available by appointment only to people ages 18 and older who are at high risk for monkeypox or have been identified by the NYC Department of Health for having had a high-risk exposure to someone with monkeypox.
The vaccine is available at multiple locations, including several NYC Health + Hospitals sites and mobile units in partnership with community-based organizations. Supply is limited. Vaccination is free and available regardless of immigration status. If you have insurance, your insurance will be billed.
Vaccines are available at several locations by appointment only and for people at the highest risk.
Supply is limited.
Visit the vaccine finder to make an appointment and find other locations across the city.
Vaccination After Possible Exposure
Eligible New Yorkers who may have been recently exposed to monkeypox can get the JYNNEOSTM vaccine. Getting vaccinated after a recent exposure may reduce the chance of you getting monkeypox, and it can reduce symptoms if you do get it.
Post-exposure vaccination is available to New Yorkers by referral from the NYC Dept. of Health.
Treatment
The antiviral drug called Tecovirimat, or TPOXX, which is approved to treat smallpox, is available for treatment of monkeypox through a CDC emergency protocol. In New York City, treatment is available to eligible people at NYC Health + Hospitals and other health systems, as well as at some primary care practices. We expect that treatment will be more widely available soon.
For More Information
- Visit Monkeypox – NYC Health to learn more about cases in NYC, transmission, prevention, symptoms, and eligibility for vaccination, testing and treatment.
- CDC: Monkeypox
- How to Protect Yourself and Other from Monkeypox
- JYNNEOS Vaccine for Monkeypox: Frequently Asked Questions
- JYNNEOS Vaccine Information Statement
- CDC: Social Gatherings, Safer Sex and Monkeypox
- NYC Commission on Human Rights: Notice of Rights (Chinese, Spanish)