Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox belongs to the Orthopox genus, which also includes the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox. Monkeypox is of public health concern because the illness is similar to smallpox and can be spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus. Monkeypox is less contagious and usually less severe than smallpox.

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages from infants to elderly. The goal of NIAM is to raise awareness about the important role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases.