Mpox

Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral illness that is usually spread from animals to humans. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with mpox sores, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets, or through contact with contaminated clothing, bedding, or common items. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox typically include a fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion, followed by the development of a rash over a person's body.

Exposure

  • If you have had or think you have had a mpox exposure, call 1-888-221-2133 during regular business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Monday to Friday).
  • After hours and on weekends, please call our on-call service: 1-800-431-2054

Vaccine and eligibility

The vaccine, Imvamune®, protects against mpox. It should be given as a two-dose series, 28 days apart. Imvamune® should be considered for the following:

  • Pre-exposure vaccination: when Imvamune® is administered before known exposure to the virus
  • Post-exposure vaccination – when Imvamune® is administered for individuals who have had a high-risk exposure to a probable or confirmed case of MPOX, or within a setting where transmission is happening

NOTE: Individuals with signs or symptoms of MPOX infection should NOT receive the vaccine as the vaccine is not indicated in the treatment of MPOX infection.

Individuals who are eligible to get Imvamune® for pre-exposure vaccination

a) Two-spirited, non-binary, trans, cis-gender, intersex or gender-queer individuals 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 (STI) 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 (such as using hookup apps) recently, or may be planning to, or are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work

b) Individuals who self identify as engaging in sex work or may be planning to, regardless of self-identified sex or gender.

Household and/or sexual contacts of those identified for pre-exposure vaccination eligibility in parts (a) and (b) above AND who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or pregnant. 

Individuals who are eligible to get Imvamune® for post-exposure vaccination

Imvamune® given for post-exposure vaccination requires an assessment of the risk of exposure by the public health unit. The first dose should be offered ideally within 4 days (up to 14 days) from the date of the last exposure to individuals who are a high-risk contact of a confirmed or probable case of mpox. The second dose should be offered at least 28 days after the first dose. Anyone who self-identifies as a high-risk contact of a confirmed or probable case of mpox should contact their local public health unit for further assessment to see if post-exposure vaccination would be recommended.

If you have previously received a vaccine against smallpox, this will give you some protection, but you will still need to receive one dose of Imvamune®. Individuals should ensure to receive both doses of Imvamune® to be best protected. Booster doses are not recommended at this time.

If you meet vaccine eligibility and/or want to talk about whether you meet eligibility, please call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133 ext 3558 or email our HPPH vaccine team. Messages using this form are seen by a public health nurse.

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