Boston Public Health Commission Launches Vaccination Effort Amid Rising Mpox Cases
The Boston Public Health Commission is responding to an increase in mpox cases in the city by launching a new vaccination initiative. Between August 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, Massachusetts reported 77 mpox cases, a significant rise from the 23 cases reported in the same period the previous year. Despite this increase, the numbers remain far below the over 400 cases during the international outbreak in 2022. The recent cases in Boston are attributed to clade II of the virus, which is less severe than clade I. The city plans to set up several vaccination clinics over the summer, starting with the Pride flag raising event on June 1, to provide low or no-cost vaccines to both insured and uninsured individuals. The two-series vaccine is reported to be 80% effective in preventing illness and reducing symptoms. 
