Sexual Health Clinic

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Mpox

• What is Mpox?
  Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Mpox is not related to chickenpox. (CDC, April 18, 2024)
• Mpox Vaccination 
  The MGH Sexual Health Clinic is offering vaccinations against mpox. To schedule an appointment for the vaccine, please call us at 617-726-2748.
  
  If you are unable to come to the MGH Sexual Health Clinic, please refer to the list of clinics in Massachusetts offering vaccine appointments.
  Should I get vaccinated?
  
  Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself against mpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the mpox vaccine if you have not already been infected with mpox and either:
  
  • Are a sexually active gay or bisexual man, trans woman, or nonbinary person who within the past 6 months has had a sexually transmitted infection (STI), multiple sexual partners, anonymous sexual activities, or sex at a sex club or large public event where mpox transmission is occurring
  • Have had sex or intimate contact with someone who has mpox or meets the criteria described above, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity
  If you have recovered from mpox, you do not need the mpox vaccine.
  
  How many doses do I need?
  Mpox vaccination is a 2-dose series, with the second dose administered 28 days after the first dose. If you have not been vaccinated at all against mpox, it is strongly recommended that you receive the vaccine. If you have received one dose of the mpox vaccine and it has been longer than 28 days, it is recommended that you come in for your second dose as soon as possible. If you have received two doses of the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS), no further vaccination is needed.
  
  Do I need a booster?
  As of Monday, August 19, 2024, the CDC is NOT recommending an mpox booster dose unless you work with the monkeypox virus or other orthopoxviruses in a research laboratory.
  
  What can I expect after getting vaccinated?
  Two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine work to prevent mpox in most people. No vaccine is 100% effective, so in rare cases, people who have been fully vaccinated with both doses do get mpox. If someone who got both doses of the mpox vaccine does get mpox, infections are usually much milder. (CDC, June 14, 2024)
  
  To learn more about mpox and what you can do to reduce your risk, please visit the CDC website.
  

Resources

• Mpox: FAQs for Patients | Visit the Mass General Brigham website

• 5 Things Sexually Active People Need to Know About Mpox | Watch video on YouTube

Travel

• Mpox and Safer Sex | Download infographic
• Social Gatherings: Know Before You Go | Download infographic
• Mpox Vaccines: Do You Need One? | Download infographic

Events

MGH Sexual Health Clinic Community Outreach Focus Groups
When: November 26, 2024
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Where: Dorchester Brewing Company
If you are interested in joining, reach out to ejaukkuri@mgb.org

About the Program

For more than 60 years, the Sexual Health Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital has provided screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Services are provided in a confidential setting by a professional staff trained in the area of sexually transmitted infections. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or insurance status.

The Sexual Health Clinic offers the following services for adolescents and adults:

• Evaluation and treatment for sexually transmitted infection including: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes infections (HSV), genital warts - Human papilloma virus (HPV), molluscum, scabies and vaginitis
• Evaluation, testing, and treatment of Mpox
• Testing for the human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)
• Initiation of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV) in both pill and injectable forms.
• Pap Smear test
• Counseling on prevention of HIV infection
• Testing for Hepatitis C
• Vaccinations for sexually transmitted infections
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) after a sexual exposure to HIV
• Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for STIs (aka Doxy PEP)
• Information and literature regarding sexually transmitted infections and safer sex practices

Frequently-Asked Questions about Health Insurance