Do Smallpox Vaccines Protect Against Mpox (Monkeypox)?

two skin lesions. The disease is uncomfortable but typically does not require hospitalization. Mpox can be more severe in children and people with compromised immune systems.
Like smallpox mpox is a virus that spreads through close skintoskin contact with a person who is infected who has open sores or scabs through oral fluids or respiratory droplets. 
Smallpox is a more lifethreatening disease than mpox and causes pusfilled blisters to develop all over your body. The original smallpox vaccines were widely distributed in the U S. in the 1950s 60s and 70s. By 1972 thanks in large part to the vaccine smallpox was declared eradicated wiped out in the U S. and vaccination efforts ended. Globally smallpox was officially declared eradicated in December 1979.
Who can get the vaccine against mpox monkeypox?
Currently there are no plans for mass public vaccination in the United States. The two licensed vaccines available are only recommended to prevent mpox if you are 
A laboratory worker who works closely with orthopoxviruses. In the military. Among certain qualified healthcare workers and public health responders. 
Additionally the Department of Health and Human Services has developed a policy regarding wholl be eligible to receive the vaccine as more doses become available. This will be based on targeting communities with the highest case rates of mpox and will be recommended for those with confirmed exposure. This includes
People whove had close physical contact with someone who was diagnosed with mpox People who know their sexual partner was diagnosed with mpox Men who have sex with men whove recently had multiple sex partners in a venue where mpox is confirmed or in an area where mpox is spreading.
For most individuals this means you wont be able to go to your doctors office to get the vaccine just yet. But if you think you may have been exposed to mpox contact your healthcare provider to discuss your eligibility and vaccine availability.
If you do worry that you might have monkeypox we now have tests that have a quick turnaround time to get those results back states Dr. Esper.
If you get the vaccine within four days of your exposure you can actually prevent the monkeypox from causing disease he adds. Or if you get that vaccine within two weeks of exposure you may not prevent the infection but you actually prevent the infection from becoming severe.
If I had the smallpox vaccine years ago would I be protected?
What
if you already got a smallpox vaccine years ago? You may also be wondering if a previous vaccination for smallpox could still protect you against the current outbreak of mpox.
The answer is that a previous vaccination against smallpox may lessen the severity of mpox but theres no guarantee.
We dont believe that the previous vaccine will prevent you from getting the infection says Dr. Esper. This is because even if you got the vaccine against smallpox before the 1970s that protection may have waned over time.  
If youve had a previous vaccination against smallpox you probably are less likely to get very very sick explains Dr. Esper. But its probably not enough to prevent the infection itself.
How else can I protect myself from mpox monkeypox?
In addition to getting vaccinated if youre a candidate the CDC recommends these steps to protect yourself during the mpox outbreak
Avoid close skintoskin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox Dont touch the rash or scabs of a person who has mpox Dont kiss hug cuddle or have sex with someone who has mpox Dont share eating utensils or cups with a person who has mpox Dont handle or touch the bedding towels or clothing of a person who has mpox Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer.