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Mpox is a viral infection. The virus is not dangerous to most people, but it is contagious and the effects can be very painful. Mpox is also called monkeypox.
From April 14 until the end of Summer 2025 you can protect yourself against mpox with a free vaccination.
The vaccination is intended for people who are at higher risk of contracting mpox. GGD Amsterdam is vaccinating residents of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Uithoorn, Aalsmeer, Ouder-Amstel, and Diemen.
Check if you are eligible to register
Are you a man who has sex with men or a transgender person? Then you can register for vaccination with the GGD if one or more of the following conditions apply to you:
Conditions (one or more):
- You use PrEP to prevent HIV, or you are on the waiting list for it
- You have had sex with 10 or more people in the past six months
- You have sex at sex venues or sex parties
- You participate in group sex
- You have HIV and are tested for hepatitis C during your check-ups
Having trouble making an appointment online?
Call 020 555 5822 (between 08.30–12.00 h and between 13.00–16.30 h).
On 14 August 2024 the WHO declared an outbreak of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as an emergency. We understand that this may cause concern.
The type of virus that the WHO is currently warning about is called Clade 1b. The type of virus that spread worldwide, including in Amsterdam, in 2022 is Clade 2b. So far, there have been no reports of the Clade 1b variant in Amsterdam. We are closely monitoring the situation in Africa. We are also vigilant in case of new mpox cases in Amsterdam.
For more information, please visit this page from RIVM
This is what you can do yourself
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Recognizing Mpox
When you get mpox, you will first notice one or more of the following symptoms: fever, headache, aching muscles, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. These symptoms begin between 5 and 21 days after you become infected with the virus. After a few days, you will develop a rash that can spread over your face and body. The rash begins with spots, which turn into blisters that eventually dry up. These blisters can leave scars.
When you think you have mpox
- Have you been somewhere where someone had the virus? Please carefully check for symptoms in the next few weeks. Call your general practitioner immediately if you start to feel unwell. Even if you are in doubt.
- Do you have any blisters on your body? Call your GP. Especially if the blisters began in your face or your pubic region.
- What do you do if you have mpox? Self-isolate at home until you have recovered completely. This will help prevent the spread of the virus. As long as you have symptoms, you can spread the virus.
- On the Soa Aids Nederland website you can find answers to questions about mpox
- Go to the Man tot Man website for tips on how to reduce your chances of contracting mpox
This is what the the Municipal Health Service GGD does
Testing and contact tracing
If you suspect that you also have an STI, please contact the Centre for Sexual Health to schedule a test. If you have mpox, we will begin contact tracing.
Contact information
- If you have any questions about mpox, you can call the STI/AIDS hotline 0900 – 2042040 (€0.10 ct p/m), Monday to Wednesday between 9.30 and 15.30 and Thursday and Friday between 13.30 and 15.30.
- Or call the General Infectious Diseases team at GGD Amsterdam Public Health Service: 020 555 9390 (from Monday to Friday between 9.00 and 12.00)
Further information
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM): Mpox