Mpox Vaccines Available for Eligible Residents
Written by Comms Team, February 7, 2023
Eligible Individuals Can Book an Appointment to Receive a 2-Dose Series
Peterborough Public Health is reminding eligible residents who are at-risk of contracting Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to complete their 2-dose vaccination series of Imvamune.
“We are cautioning residents that the risk of contracting Mpox is a bit higher after a recent outbreak in Toronto this past month,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “While our region has not seen a case since July 2022, we want to ensure residents who are at higher risk of contracting Mpox are vaccinated to provide themselves with the best protection.”
Mpox is a virus that is spread by close and prolonged contact with a person or animal that has Mpox, or with contaminated materials (e.g., clothing, bedding). At this time, Mpox has spread mostly between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus.
Residents who are part of the at-risk population are asked to remain vigilant for symptoms and take precautions to prevent infection. The Imvamune vaccine is available as pre and post exposure prophylaxis. Residents who are eligible for the 2-dose vaccine series as a pre-exposure prophylaxis include,
- Two-spirit, non-binary, transgender, cisgender, intersex, or gender-queer individuals (18+) who self-identify or have sexual partners who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, pansexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community AND at least one of the following:
- Had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection within the last year
- Have or are planning to have two or more sexual partners or are in a relationship where at least one of the partners may have other sexual partners
- Have attended venues for sexual contact (i.e., bath houses, sex clubs) recently or may be planning to, or who work/volunteer in these settings
- Have had anonymous sex (e.g., using hookup apps) recently or may be planning to
- Are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work
- Individuals who self-identify as engaging in sex work or are planning to, regardless of self-identified sex or gender.
- Household and/or sexual contacts of people who are eligible for pre-exposure vaccination– listed above AND who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or pregnant.
Eligible residents can book an appointment for the Imvamune vaccine by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 331
Residents who present with symptoms or believe they have been exposed to Mpox should reach out to their healthcare provider for guidance. The vaccine is available to some residents who present with symptoms following the recommendation of their healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear within 5-21 days after exposure and include,
- A rash or blisters (lesions)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Exhaustion
For more information about MPOX and booking a vaccine appointment please visit http://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/mpox/
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Gill
Communications Team
705-743-1000 ext. 352