Peterborough Public Health Holds First Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic
/Beginning Aug. 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is hosting the first Monkeypox vaccine clinic at the Sexual Health Clinic announced on Wednesday.
Stock photo.
Eligible residents will be provided with a single dose of Imvamune as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The clinic is not intended for close contact with a confirmed or probable case of monkeypox according to PPH. 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.
Appointments can be booked by calling the Sexual Health Clinic at 705-748-2021 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are not accepted at this time.
“The World Health Organization now describes Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Peterborough Public Health encourages all eligible members of the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men community who are at high receive protection through vaccination before exposure.”
There have been 326 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ontario since Monday according to PPH. Peterborough Public Health has had two confirmed cases during that time.
The vaccine may prevent monkeypox infection or prevent the development of severe symptoms as stated in the press release. Currently, there is a limited supply of Imvamune® in Ontario.
Eligibility:
Anyone over 18 who meets the requirements, has not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the past four weeks and at least one of the following is eligible for the vaccine:
Have received a diagnosis of bacterial STI (i.e., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) in the past two months
Have had two 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
