Most people can treat mild symptoms of MPOX at home with over-the-counter medicine, however there are several MPOX treatments that may be prescribed to you by a health care provider based on your symptoms and risk factors. While MPOX treatments are not a substitute for the MPOX vaccine, they are an option to treat certain high-risk people who are already sick. The vaccine remains the best option to train your immune system and prevent severe illness. To learn more, visit the California Department of Public Health’s Get the Facts on MPOX Treatments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Treatments Your Healthcare Provider Might Recommend if You Are Sick.
Test to Treat program: If you test positive and qualify for treatment, you can be prescribed and given medication on-site at all LHI testing locations. Visit CDPH’s MPOX Test to Treat page for more information or visit LHI’s website for testing times and locations. Please note: Though each site should offer this option, please check with LHI personnel as you arrive to be certain that the clinic has the necessary staffing to prescribe medication on-site.
No-cost telehealth appointments: If you test positive for MPOX, Sesame Care enables you to make an appointment with a doctor who can prescribe MPOX treatments. This program is free and Sesame Care doctors are trained in supporting individuals with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week. You can make an appointment with doctors who speak English, Spanish and 12 other languages, and a language line is available for translation in dozens of other languages.
- After a positive MPOX test, call (833) 686-5051or visit com/MPOXca for your no-cost appointment. Free appointments are sponsored by CDPH and only available via the provided phone number or link.
- Actual appointments occur via phone or video. Video visits do not require new software.
- If appropriate, the doctor sends a prescription for the patient to a nearby pharmacy or other pharmacy of the patient’s choice.
- Sesame Care follows up with the patient to ensure they were able to get the medication and are taking it as directed.