Peterborough Public Health Reminding At-Risk Residents To Book for MPox Vaccine
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding those who are at risk of contracting Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to complete their two-dose vaccination series of Imvamune announced on Tuesday.
File Photo.
“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, PPH 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 spread by close and prolonged contact with a person or animal who has it or with contaminated materials (e.g., clothing, bedding) according to PPH. Mpox has spread mostly between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus.
PPH urges anyone part of the at-risk population is 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., bathhouses, 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
Anyone with symptoms or who believe they have been exposed should reach out to their healthcare provider. The vaccine is available to some residents who present with symptoms following the recommendation of their healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear within five to 21 days after exposure and include,
A rash or blisters (lesions)
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever and chills
Muscle aches
Headaches
Exhaustion
