Laboratory workers who work with orthopoxviruses are recommended to receive mpox vaccine
Primary vaccination with mpox vaccine (for example MVA-BN) is recommended in a 2-dose schedule for laboratory workers working with orthopoxviruses (e.g. smallpox or monkeypox viruses), identified through local laboratory risk assessments. (See the PHLN Laboratory case definition document). People working in these environments should review their own history of smallpox vaccination, as booster doses may be appropriate for those with new or ongoing risk of exposure to mpox.3
The details of dosage and administration are outlined in Vaccines, dosage and administration.
Booster dose
Booster doses
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support a recommendation for a booster dose of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine for people who are fully vaccinated (that is, people who have had 2 doses administered at least 28 days apart), including those who are severely immunocompromised.
Laboratory workers previously vaccinated with a first or second generation smallpox vaccine (e.g. Dryvax or ACAM2000) who have ongoing risk of occupational exposure may be considered for a booster with MVA-BN mpox vaccine ten years after their last dose of a smallpox vaccine.