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      Mpox

      Mpox (formerly monkey pox) is caused by a virus from the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. There are two types the virus called ‘clades’ that cause the disease mpox - clade I in Central Africa and clade II in West Africa.

       

      In 2022, a new emerging subclade of clade II was responsible for a global epidemic that spread mainly through sexual contact among men who have sex with men. Although the clade II epidemic is now under control, it continues to circulate worldwide.


      On August 14th, 2024, the spread of mpox clade I in endemic regions of Central Africa, particularly in the DRC, prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years.

       

       

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      Prevention

      We are currently receiving many inquiries regarding the current mpox situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries.

       

      There are currently no restrictions or vaccination recommendations for travelers in this regard.

       

      Persons at risk can basically protect themselves from mpox infection by adapting their behavior. This includes compliance with the usual standard hygiene measures (good hand hygiene, no contact with sick people and animals, safer sex, no consumption of bushmeat).

       

      A preventative vaccine (Jynneos® from Bavarian Nordic) may also be administered, subject to an individual risk/benefit analysis.  At present, it is assumed that the available vaccine (Jynneos®) is also effective against the new clade I. Individuals who have already been infected with clade II mpox or who have been fully vaccinated against mpox are also likely to be protected against severe infections with clade I mpox.

       

      Anyone wishing to receive an mpox vaccination must seek medical advice on this from a healthcare professional.


       

       

      Who qualifies for the vaccine and where can I get one?

      You may qualify if you belong to one of the following risk groups:

       

      • Cis men or Trans people with multiple male sex partners 

      • Anyone who has had close contact with an infected person (post- exposure vaccine)

      • If you may be exposed to the virus because of your profession* (for example, if you work in a lab with the virus). 

       

      If you belong to one of these risk groups, vaccination may be recommended for you. In this case, costs of the vaccination will be covered by your Swiss health insurance*. In the Canton of Zürich, the mpox vaccine is primarily available at Checkpoint Zürich and, in limited cases (see below), at our Travel Clinic. 

       

      *If you qualify for the vaccine because of your profession, the costs of the vaccine will be charged to your employer.

      The Mpox Vaccine for Travelers

      There are currently no travel restrictions or vaccination guidelines for travelers. 

       

      That said, there may be specific instances where a vaccination may be advisable, for example: 

       

      • If you are planning to work in a hospital, refugee camp, school, lab, etc. in one of the affected countries 

      • If you are planning to work in a refugee camp that takes in people from one of the affected countries

       

      If you fit into one of these groups,  vaccination may be advisable for you, but it is important to note that the costs must be covered either out-of-pocket or, if relevant, through your employer. The costs will not be covered by your health insurance.

       

      If you need to pay for the vaccine out-of-pocket, the vaccine costs 206.90 CHF per dose (and two doses are required if not previously vaccinated). 

       

      If you think one vaccination may be advisable for you, please book a travel consultation (pre-travel advice) to discuss your personal risk for both mpox and any other related health risks related to your upcoming travel/work abroad. 

      Please note:

      • You can find more information on the current situation in this link to Healthy Travel or in this SRF report.

      • If you have been previously vaccinated against smallpox, please bring your vaccination card or written confirmation of vaccination.

      • It is important to contact a medical professional quickly by telephone (Checkpoint) if you suspect an infection (never go to a practice unannounced). Anyone who recognizes an infection at an early stage can start treatment and can protect other people from infection. 

      • If you have symptoms consistent with mpox infection, vaccination should be postponed until you have fully recovered (as long as no mpox infection has been diagnosed). Appointments can be changed or canceled as needed.

      Do you have a question or would you like to book an appointment?

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