Who was eligible to get the mpox vaccination?

Vaccination against mpox is for people in the following groups:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM contact)
• Transgender people

People in these groups are eligible for vaccination if they practice behaviours that involve a higher risk of mpox, similar to sex workers. This applies to you if:

• You are using HIV-PrEP;
• You are on the waiting list for HIV-PrEP;
• You have had more than 10 sexual partners in the past six months;
• You go to sex venues and/or sex parties;
• You engage in group sex;
• You have a HIV infection and were eligible for mpox vaccination based on the previous screening criteria (hepatitis C screening as an indicator of high-risk behaviour)..

Can I still get a vaccination against mpox?

It is currently no longer possible to get an mpox vaccination on your own initiative. However, close contacts and sexual contacts of people with a confirmed mpox infection are offered a vaccination.

Be alert to symptoms

Always keep an eye out for possible mpox symptoms – even if you were vaccinated. If symptoms occur, contact the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) or your GP immediately to get tested. Avoid sexual contact and all direct contact with the skin until the test result is known. 

Side effects of mpox vaccination

Vaccination against mpox can cause side effects. The most common side effects are pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. You may also have muscle pain, headache, nausea, and fever or elevated temperature. Possible side effects should always be reported  to Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb.

Privacy

RIVM processes personal data with your consent to ensure proper management of the mpox vaccination programme.   This privacy statement explains which data will be processed by RIVM and why, and what rights you have when RIVM processes your data.