Monkeypox vaccine now available in nine Alberta cities for those who meet criteria: AHS

The monkeypox vaccine is now available in nine cities across the province for those who meet the immunization criteria, Alberta Health Services announced Wednesday.

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak.

Beginning immediately, Albertans aged 18 and older can book an appointment to receive the monkeypox vaccine in Edmonton, Calgary, Edson, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer and St. Paul.

Those who are eligible for the vaccine in Alberta include transgender, cisgender or two-spirit individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Have received a recent (in the last six months) diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection.

Are planning to have, or in the past 90 days had, sex outside of a mutually monogamous relationship.

Have attended venues for sexual contact within the past 90 days (e.g., bathhouses, sex clubs) or may be planning to.

Any sexual contacts of the individuals described above

.
Staff and volunteers in a social setting or venue or event where sexual activities between men

 (individuals described above) may take place.

Monkeypox is a pox-like disease that can be spread by contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or items that have recently been contaminated with fluids or sores such as clothing or bedding. Sickness may also occur from respiratory droplets after spending a long time close to someone who is infected.

Imvamune, the vaccine for smallpox and monkeypox, has been provided to close contacts of a confirmed monkeypox case after exposure since June 7 in Alberta. Since July 29, vaccine administration was only provided in Edmonton and Calgary for those who are at higher risk of being exposed.

“By expanding availability beyond these two cities, AHS is further enhancing the opportunity for more eligible people in Alberta to receive the vaccine,” the health authority said in a news release.

Anyone who believes they are eligible and interested in receiving the monkeypox vaccine must call Health Link at 1-866-301-2668 to book an appointment.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there had been 2,404 appointments booked to receive the vaccine, AHS said. To date, there are 19 confirmed isolated cases in the province.

Close contacts of individuals suspected or confirmed to have a monkeypox infection may also be eligible for a post-exposure vaccine. Immunization is recommended up to 14 days, and ideally within four days, after exposure to help prevent illness.

“Close contacts are also advised to self-monitor for 21 days after their last exposure. If symptoms 

develop, they should self-isolate, seek care and get tested. Call 811 for further information,” AHS said.

More information about the disease can be found at ahs.ca/monkeypox.

Edmonton Journal