The monkey pox vaccine is recommended for those at high risk of exposure, including laboratory and health care workers who may be exposed to the virus or its vectors, and travelers to endemic areas such as Central and West Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive the monkey pox vaccine at between 15 and 26 weeks of age.
It is also recommended for anyone who has not had the vaccine and plans to travel to an area endemic to the virus.