Mpox Vaccination Recommended Two-Weeks Before Traveling

According to the WHO's Multi-country External Situation Report #57, published on August 28, 2025, all clades of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) continue to circulate in several countries.

The WHO writes that 'when mpox outbreaks are not rapidly contained and human-to-human transmission is not interrupted, they continue to pose a risk of sustained community transmission.'

In July 2025, 47 countries reported a total of 3,924 confirmed cases, including 30 deaths (case fatality ratio 0.8%).

China, Germany, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom have reported additional cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV since the last situation report.

These new cases have been linked to international travel.

On August 20, 2025, the WHO Director-General extended the standing recommendations for mpox until August 2026 to further prevent or reduce the international spread of mpox, as well as its impact on health.

Both the WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend receiving your first mpox vaccine at least 6 weeks before travel. After completing your first and second vaccine doses, which are given 4 weeks apart, it takes about two more weeks to get the best protection against mpox.

The majority of U.S. cases of clade II mpox continue to be reported in people who are not vaccinated or have received only one dose.

Several cases have recently been tied back to an outbreak in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other West African countries.

The CDC suggests that whether or not you've been vaccinated (JYNNEOS®, MVA-BN®, IMVAMUNE®), you continue to reduce your risk of getting mpox.