California Urges Mpox Vaccines as Cases Rise Statewide

California is seeing a hopeful surge in public health action as officials work to protect communities from rising mpox cases through accessible vaccination.

State health officials announced this week that mpox vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups as case rates have climbed to 14.5 per week this year, compared to just 3.4 during the same period in 2025. The good news? The vaccine is effective, available, and most people getting sick simply haven't been vaccinated yet.

A potentially more severe strain called Clade I was recently detected in San Francisco, marking the seventh case in California. The unvaccinated resident required hospitalization but is receiving treatment.

Dr. Erica Pan, California's state public health officer, emphasized the importance of getting both vaccine doses before summer travel season begins. "With summer travel and large events approaching, now is the ideal time to protect yourself if you or your sex partner may be at risk," she said in a statement.

The vaccine works against both the newer Clade I strain and the more common Clade II strain that has been circulating since 2022. People who get vaccinated have much lower chances of getting infected and are far less likely to develop severe illness if they do get sick.

Health officials say mpox is unlikely to spread through casual contact like riding on a plane, working in an office, or shopping in stores. It primarily spreads through close personal contact, which means targeted vaccination can effectively protect those most at risk.

The Bright Side

California's public health infrastructure is responding quickly and effectively to protect residents. Vaccines are readily available for high-risk groups including men who have sex with men, people who are transgender or gender-diverse, those with HIV, and healthcare workers with occupational exposure.

The state's early detection system is working exactly as designed. Officials identified the new cases quickly, contacted affected individuals, and immediately launched vaccination campaigns to prevent further spread.

Anyone experiencing symptoms like unusual sores, rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes should contact their healthcare provider for testing. People exposed to mpox can get vaccinated quickly to prevent infection, even after exposure.

With effective vaccines available and public health teams mobilized, California is well-positioned to keep communities safe heading into summer.