Circulated by request of the BCCDC
The following updates to the immunization and communicable disease guidance for Mpox will shortly be reflected here as well.
Prevention and vaccination
Mpox can be prevented by avoiding close contact with persons with symptoms consistent with Mpox, frequent washing of hands, covering coughs and sneezes and if at risk, get vaccinated.
A vaccine that protects against Mpox and severe symptoms is available for people at higher risk. The vaccine, called IMVAMUNE®, can be given:
- Following exposure to the virus (ideally within 4 days to prevent infection but may reduce severity of symptoms if given up to 14 days following exposure).
- In advance of an exposure to help your body build immunity.
The vaccine is given as a two-dose series. Doses should be given 28 or more days apart. At this time, there is no recommendation for a booster dose following a two-dose series.
People who are eligible can book first or second-dose appointments. It is not available for private purchase.
Eligibility
Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary people and cisgender males who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men community who:
- Have sex with more than one partner
- Have sex with a partner who has more than one sexual partner
- Had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection in the past year
- Have casual sex (e.g. cruising)
- Engage in sexual contact in sex-on-premises venues
- Have sex with sex workers
People who are also eligible:
- Sexual partners of individuals who meet the above criteria
- Sex workers
- Staff or volunteers in sex-on-premises venues where workers may have contact with fomites (i.e., surfaces) potentially contaminated with mpox.
- People who engage in sex tourism
- People who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios
- Canadian health care professionals travelling to support the mpox clade I outbreak in countries where there is a level 2 travel health notice for Mpox
The vaccine cannot be administered to people who have symptoms that could be due to Mpox. Instead, find a location for testing at smartsexresource.com/get-tested/clinic-finder.
Please contact your local Public Health unit for information about receiving mpox vaccine, or if you are planning to travel to countries with high incidence of mpox.
Updates to communicable disease guidance for management of sores
In the information for those who develop symptoms/become ill with mpox, we are adding the following information:
- Clean hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching, popping or rubbing sores. This can slow healing, cause sores to be infected or may spread to other parts of the body