The City of Toronto is urging people at risk of contracting mpox to get vaccinated as soon as possible after four new cases of the viral illness were reported over a 24-hour period last Friday.
In a news release on Wednesday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) said people at risk for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, should get two doses of the vaccine Imvamune.
“Vaccination remains the best way to prevent the serious consequences of mpox,” medical doctor Eileen de Villa said in a release.
“As the virus continues to spread, it is important that at-risk groups complete the two vaccination series as soon as possible. We will continue to work with community partners who
TPH said it is encouraging people who are eligible for the vaccine but have not been vaccinated to get their first shot as soon as possible at a city-run immunization clinic. A person who received one dose can receive her second dose after 28 days.
Public Health also said it is encouraging at-risk people planning to travel in the near future to get vaccinated before they leave. Said there was.
“Anyone can get mpox, but gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with men are most affected in the current epidemic,” TPH said in a release.
Dane Griffiths, director of the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance, said it was important to slow the spread of mpox.
“After a period of no reported cases of mpox in Ontario, we are concerned about four new cases in one day,” Griffiths said.
“Last summer, our community was mobilized, received its first vaccinations, and slowed the spread of mpox. Get vaccinated.”
Vaccine is free, no OHIP card required
According to TPH, the vaccine is free, no OHIP card is required, walk-ins are allowed if space is available, and appointments can be booked online.
The TPH defines mpox as “a rare viral disease spread from person to person through contact with infected lesions, skin blisters, body fluids, or respiratory secretions.”
According to Public Health, mpox can also be transmitted through contact with virus-contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding, or through bites or scratches from infected animals.
Symptoms begin 5 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, rashes and blisters.
TPH, with the support of the Alliance, will open a drop-in mpox vaccination clinic for those 18 and over at The 519, 519 Church Street on Monday, February 27, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. said to be held.
No OHIP card and reservation required. Immunizations are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
