Dear Healthcare Professional,
Monkeypox disease is caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus. Since May 2022, an outbreak of monkeypox has spread across nearly 70 countries that do not normally report monkeypox, including the United States. Two vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available for preventing monkeypox disease – JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. When properly administered before or after a recent exposure, vaccines can be effective tools at protecting people against monkeypox illness. The CDC website has more information about the outbreak and considerations for monkeypox vaccination.
CDC places a high priority on vaccine safety. Healthcare professionals have been our longstanding partners in safeguarding the public’s health and we request your assistance in reporting vaccine adverse events (possible side effects) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS is the nation’s frontline system for monitoring vaccine safety. Your participation will ensure that public health officials have accurate and timely information on the safety of vaccines used to prevent monkeypox.
What healthcare professionals should know about reporting to VAERS for monkeypox vaccine safety monitoring
What should I report to VAERS?
The CDC and FDA strongly encourage and request safety reporting by healthcare professionals to VAERS for all U.S. licensed vaccines, including JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. Report adverse events following vaccination that, in your professional judgment, are medically important or clinically significant, even if you are not sure if the vaccine caused the event.
How do I report to VAERS?
Go to Report an Adverse Event on the VAERS website. Choose Report Online (the preferred method).
Where can I get more information about VAERS?
You can read the VAERS FAQs, email questions to info@xxxxxxxxx, or call 1-800-822-7967 from Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
We appreciate your partnership and your commitment to patient safety. The information you provide to VAERS is essential for public health. Thank you again for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
CDC Immunization Safety Office
