Peterborough Public Health Hosts First Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic
Written by Comms Team, July 27, 2022
Friday, August 5 at the Sexual Health Clinic
As of July 25, 2022, there has been 326 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ontario. Peterborough Public Health has had 2 confirmed cases of monkeypox at this time. The smallpox vaccine (Imvamune®) may prevent monkeypox infection or prevent the development of severe symptoms. Currently, there is limited supply of Imvamune® in Ontario. As such, locations in Ontario with confirmed cases can provide Imvamune® as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to eligible residents.
On Friday August 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Peterborough Public Health will host our first Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic at our Sexual Health Clinic located on 185 King Street, Peterborough. The Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic will provide eligible residents with a single dose of Imvamune® as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The clinic is not intended for close contacts of a confirmed or probable case of monkeypox. Residents who think they might be a close contact are advised to immediately call their health care provider or Peterborough Public Health to report their status and receive guidance.
Eligible residents can book an appointment by calling the Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic at 705-748-2021, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: walk-ins will not be accepted at this time.
Eligibility:
Trans- or cis-gender individuals (18+) who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community, have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the past 4 weeks, AND at least one of the following:
- Have received a diagnosis of bacterial STI (i.e., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) in the past 2 months;
- Have had 2 or more sexual partners within the past 21 days or may be planning to;
- Have attended venues for sexual contact within the past 21 days (i.e., bath houses, sex clubs) or may be planning to, or who work/volunteer in these settings;
- Have had anonymous sex in the past 21 days (e.g., using hookup apps) or may be planning to;
- Engage in sex work or may be planning to, and their sexual contacts.
Residents who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or breastfeeding may be at higher risk for severe illness from a monkeypox infection. These residents should contact a Public Health Nurse at 705-743-1000, ext. 131 for consideration of PrEP if they are at risk for contracting monkeypox.
For more information on eligibility: Monkeypox: What We Know – GMSH
“The world Health Organization describes Monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Peterborough Public Health encourages all eligible trans- and cis-gender members of the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community to book an appointment to receive protection through pre-exposure vaccination. We advise folks to check our monkeypox webpage for more information and updates.”
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352