The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has announced the offer of free Monkeypox vaccines at clinics planned for Friday, Aug. 5 – and next week – for those eligible to get a dose.
The special Monkeypox vaccination clinics will take place at its Port Hope office (200 Rose Glen Rd.) Aug. 5 and 9, with an Aug. 10 clinic at its Lindsay office.
Appointments are required, the announcement stressed, and are only open to eligible individuals.
The announcement comes a week after the first lab-confirmed Monkeypox case in the health-unit region was found in Northumberland County. Though the risk of Monkeypox remains low, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking urges everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to make an appointment to get one.
“There is a safe, effective vaccine approved in Canada that protects against Monkeypox and we want to make it as easy as possible for those eligible to receive a dose to get one,” Dr. Bocking said in the press release.
Explaining eligibility as it currently stands in Ontario, the announcement said that trans- or cis-gender individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other community where men have sex with men (gbMSM) can get the vaccine if they meet at least one of these criteria:
Have had two or more sexual partners within the past 21 days or may be planning to.
Have had anonymous or casual sex in the past 21 days or may be planning to.
Have received a diagnosis of bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past two months (for example, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis).
Have attended venues for sexual contact within the past 21 days, or may be planning to, or who work or volunteer in these settings (for example, bath houses or sex clubs).
Engage in sex for work or may be planning to (please note: sexual contacts of these individuals are also eligible to receive the Monkeypox vaccine).
Individuals who meet these criteria are urged to call the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1507 to book an appointment for the Monkeypox vaccine. They can also pick up more information on Monkeypox and vaccine eligibility on the health unit's Monkeypox Virus web page.
Individuals who have been identified by their local public health unit as having a high or intermediate risk exposure with someone who has the Monkeypox virus are also eligible to receive the Monkeypox vaccine. These individuals will be contacted directly by their local public health unit.
After getting the vaccine, it takes two weeks to build protection. During that period, the health unit encourages people to reduce their number of close contacts, including sex partners.
Monkeypox is a viral disease mainly found in countries in Central and West Africa. In recent months, cases have been detected in other countries (including Canada and the United States). In late July, the World Health Organization’s Director General declared the global Monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern.
Monkeypox is spread through close, direct contact with infected bodily fluids (through lesions or blisters, for example) or respiratory droplets (such as those expelled through coughing). While Monkeypox is in the same family as smallpox, it is less contagious and includes milder symptoms.
These include: rash or blister in the mouth and around genital areas, swollen lymph nodes, fever and chills, muscle aches, headaches, and exhaustion. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Monkeypox should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms can be managed, and people usually recover in two to four weeks.
“Be aware of the signs and symptoms of Monkeypox virus and seek medical attention if you start to experience symptoms,” Dr. Bocking said.
“While vaccines are one form of protection against Monkeypox, you can take additional measures to reduce your risk from the virus.”
The health unit offers the following suggestions:
Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone who has or may have Monkeypox.
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with Monkeypox rashes or lesions.
Avoid sharing objects such as toothbrushes, utensils, sex toys or drug equipment.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (such as door handles and phones).
Avoid touching bedding and laundry that has been in contact with a person or animal that may have the virus.
Avoid contact with sick or dead animals
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for someone at home who has the virus, including a medical mask and disposable gloves for direct contact with lesions.
