Starting today, October 28, people at highest risk of exposure to the monkeypox virus can schedule an appointment for a second dose of the Imvamune vaccine to protect against infection before exposure.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that Imvamune be used as a preventative vaccine in two doses for those at highest risk, with doses spaced at least 28 days apart.
“We are following NACI’s recommendations by expanding the vaccine’s suitability and offering a second dose to those at highest risk,” said Dr. Jesse Kancir, the monkeypox health officer. “Although second dose appointments are now available, I would like to remind those eligible that it is not too late to receive your first dose. Vaccination can help protect against possible monkeypox infection.”
The Halifax Sexual Health Center is offering free first and second doses of monkeypox vaccines until at least Thursday, November 10.
A clinic will also open in Sydney in the week of November 7th, with more information to be released next week. Work is underway to set up clinics in other areas of the province.
The pre-exposure vaccination program is only available to individuals who:
1. Identify as a cis or transgender queer male, two-spirit person, or non-binary person who has had sexual contact with a cis or transgender queer male, two-spirit person, or non-binary person Non-Binary Person and meets at least one of the following criteria:
— has had, or plans to have, two or more sexual partners since May, as defined above — a diagnosis since May of a bacterial sexually transmitted infection — attended, worked, or volunteered at an event/social venue for sexual contact, such as in a bathhouse or sex club as of May, or plans to — have anonymous sex as of May, or plans — as a worker or client in sex work, or plans to do so as of May.
or
2. Having sexual contact with someone who meets the above criteria.
The vaccine is only offered to residents of Nova Scotia or people who have lived in the province for a long time, such as B. post-secondary students or people working here who meet the eligibility criteria.
People who meet the eligibility criteria can book an appointment at: https://novascotia.flow.canimmunize.ca/en/monkeypox-booking
Anyone needing assistance booking an appointment or who does not have a Nova Scotia health card can call the Halifax Sexual Health Center at 902-455-9656, extension 0.
Fast Facts:
- Monkeypox is spread through close contact with an infected person, including contact during sexual activity, direct contact with monkeypox wounds (including scabs or sores that heal), inhalation of respiratory droplets (from a cough or sneeze) from an infected person, and contact with contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing
- Monkeypox symptoms usually develop five to 21 days after exposure to the virus
- Monkeypox typically presents initially with fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, and fatigue; Symptoms may progress a day or two later and include a rash or sores that usually start on the face, legs or arms and may affect other parts of the body (including hands, feet, mouth and genitals).
- The province worked closely with the Halifax Sexual Health Center in the development of Nova Scotia’s preventive monkeypox vaccination program and was led by community and scientific leaders and groups including Sexual Health Nova Scotia, prideHealth, the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia and the Community-Based Research Center of Vancouver
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