News Releases from Department of Health

Mpox vaccination encouraged for anyone at risk

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is reporting two additional cases of mpox in O‘ahu residents. These are the second and third cases diagnosed in Hawai‘i in 2023. Those at higher risk of mpox infection should consider being vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Cases in Hawaiʻi

These new cases brings the total number of cases reported in Hawaiʻi since June 3, 2022 to 44, including four non-residents. DOH continues to conduct contact tracing and follow up with all reported cases.

Vaccination

The JYNNEOS vaccine is available statewide. Those at higher risk for mpox and who should consider being vaccinated include:

• Individuals who meet both the following criteria:
  1. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men; and
  2. have multiple or casual sex partners (such as through dating apps) or expect to have this mpox risk in the future.
• People who have a sex partner in any of the categories described above;
• Anyone with close contact in the last 14 days to a person with known or suspected mpox infection;
• Persons with severely compromised immune systems; and
• Anyone in any of these categories who has received only one mpox vaccine dose.

The DOH and healthcare providers in each county continue to vaccinate high-risk individuals. Find a provider offering the vaccine here: https://health.hawaii.gov/mpox

In addition to the locations listed below, JYNNEOS vaccines will be offered on-site at the Honolulu Pride Festival on Saturday, October 21 at the Waikīkī Shell 1-5pm.  

County	Provider/Organization
Hawaiʻi	Hāmākua-Kohala Health  (808) 930-2751
	Kumukahi Health + Wellness(Kona): (808) 331-8177(Hilo): (808) 982-8800
	Maika‘i Health (808) 333-3420
Kauaʻi	Mālama Pono Health Services  (808) 871-7772
	Kaua‘i District Health Office  (808) 241-3495
Maui	Mālama I Ke Ola  (808) 871-7772
Honolulu	Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center(808) 427-0442
	Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center(808) 521-2437
	Kaiser Permanente  (808) 432-2000, prompt 1
	Waikīkī Health  (808) 922-4787

JYNNEOS is a two-dose vaccination series administered 28 days apart. Individuals who have not yet received a second dose are encouraged to make an appointment.

Transmission

The risk of mpox infection remains low for most Hawai‘i residents. Mpox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with mpox. The infection may be spread through large respiratory droplets, which generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged contact is required.

The current cases, both nationally and in Hawai‘i, are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. However, anyone who has close contact with someone with mpox is at risk of infection, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ask new partners about their health, including recent rashes or sores. If you or your partner feel sick or have new or unexplained rashes or sores, avoid close contact with others until getting checked out by a healthcare provider. Don’t share bedding, clothing, or toothbrushes with people outside your household. If attending events with lots of direct, skin-to-skin contact, minimizing physical contact and partners can reduce risk.

Symptoms, Testing & Treatment

Individuals with mpox symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or new or unexplained rash or sores, should immediately contact their healthcare provider. Testing and treatment are available.

Further information and updates can be found at health.hawaii.gov/mpox.