Orthopoxvirus Vaccines (CPB 0644, reviewed 2026-09-25)
Summary
Aetna considers pre-exposure smallpox vaccination medically necessary when public health authorities advise it, for research laboratory personnel who work with orthopoxviruses, clinical laboratory personnel performing orthopoxvirus diagnostic testing, designated response team members at risk for occupational exposure, and healthcare personnel who administer ACAM2000 or care for persons infected with orthopoxviruses. Booster doses are covered for persons with ongoing occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses in accordance with CDC recommendations, and post-exposure smallpox vaccination is covered for persons exposed or at high risk of exposure during a public health response. Mpox vaccination with JYNNEOS is medically necessary for pre-exposure use in listed higher-risk groups and for post-exposure use in persons with known or presumed mpox exposure, and routine smallpox vaccination of the general population is not recommended.
Get alerts when payers change rules like this one
We check Aetna and other payers every day and email you when a change matches your specialty and state.