Mpox
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease that usually spreads from animals to humans, though the animals that spread it (such as certain rodents and monkeys) are not found in Canada. Mpox can also spread from person-to-person, mainly through direct physical contact with an infected person's:
- Scabs / skin lesions or bodily fluids
- Materials contaminated with the virus, such as bedding or clothes
Mpox can also spread through respiratory droplets. However, the virus does not spread efficiently this way.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches and pain
- Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck and groin
- Fatigue
- Rash that usually starts one to three days after the symptom onset. The rash can then turn into scabs and lesions.
Mpox is usually mild and typically goes away on its own within two to four weeks.
If you have been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case of mpox, monitor for signs and symptoms for 21 days. If you develop symptoms of mpox, immediately self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider.
Vaccination clinics
Mpox vaccine is only available at Public Health vaccination clinics. Eligible individuals can book an appointment for their first or second dose by calling at 905-688-8248 ext. 7425 or 1-800-263-7248. Check our summer vaccination clinic schedule for walk-in options at the Niagara Falls - Canada One Outlet Mall location.
Eligibility
Imvamune® vaccination is offered as a two-dose primary series, at least 28 days between first and second doses, for individuals currently eligible for pre-exposure or post-exposure vaccination:
- Two-spirit, non-binary, transgender, cisgender, 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 community and at least one of the following:
- Had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) 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 (such as bath houses, sex clubs) recently or may be planning to, or who work / volunteer in these settings
- Have had anonymous sex (for example, using hookup apps) recently or may be planning to; and / or
- Are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work
- Individuals who self-identify as engaging in sex work or are planning to, regardless of self-identified sex or gender
- Household and / or sexual contacts of those identified for pre-exposure prophylaxis eligibility, as listed above and are moderately to severely immunocompromised or pregnant (may be at higher risk for severe illness from a mpox infection) may be considered for pre-exposure prophylaxis
Individuals eligible for Imvamune® as pre-exposure or post-exposure vaccination who previously received smallpox vaccine can receive a single dose of Imvamune® vaccine.
Resources
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
