Once you get your first dose of the vaccine, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to create some protection.

But you won’t get the strongest protection until 2 weeks after the second dose which comes a month after the 1st dose.

So, if you get your first dose today and your second dose in 4 weeks, you've got maximal protection starting in 6 weeks.

If you've already gotten both doses of the vaccine, you're set! There is no recommendation for booster doses at this time.

Visit SF.gov/mpox for more mpox information or visit us online at www.SFCityClinic.org or call 628-217-6600 to schedule an appointment for the mpox vaccination at San Francisco City Clinic.