Despite the fact that WHO has not declared monkeypox to be a Global Health Emergency (yet!! expecting the official designation next week), I believe we all need to be paying attention to the increase in cases worldwide (including the US and my home state of PA
You along with others who received the smallpox vaccine probably have some immunity to monkeypox. But durability of protection varies from person to person and it also wanes over time. As the disease spreads and more individuals are exposed and diagnosed, we will be able to learn more about the durability and consistency the vaccine. The best form of prevention is avoiding exposure to the virus.
If you are older (I'm 64) and vaccinated against small pox are you protected from monkeypox?
You along with others who received the smallpox vaccine probably have some immunity to monkeypox. But durability of protection varies from person to person and it also wanes over time. As the disease spreads and more individuals are exposed and diagnosed, we will be able to learn more about the durability and consistency the vaccine. The best form of prevention is avoiding exposure to the virus.
If you are older (I'm 64) and have been vaccinated for smallpox are you protected against Monkeypox?