While the risk to Hamilton residents from this infection remains very low and there are no known locally confirmed cases of monkey pox virus, Hamilton Public Health Services work closely with the Ontario Department of Health, Public Health and Ontario Public Health. other Public Health Centers in the greater Toronto and Hamilton area to ensure that preventive measures are taken to address the virus. The Hamilton Public Health Service follows federal and state guidelines for administering Imvammune vaccines to protect those most at risk of contracting the monkey pox virus. The clinic is intended for members of the community aged 18 and over who are trans or cisgender individuals who identify themselves as men and belong to the gay, bisexual and other male community who have sex with the male community, and at least one of the following:
Identify as contact of a person who was recently tested positive for monkey pox. You have had two or more sexual partners in the last three weeks (21 days) or you may be planning to. You have been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis in the last two months. You have been to baths, sex clubs and other sex venues for the past three weeks (21 days); this includes staff and volunteers. Have you had anonymous or casual sex in the last three weeks (21 days). for example, after using an online dating app, engage in or plan to engage in sex work.
These endangered populations have been identified based on instructions from the Ontario Department of Health.
Make an appointment for a smallpox vaccine
Vaccination is by appointment only for at-risk populations. Individuals can call the public health hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7 to make an appointment. Vaccination is offered to these populations to protect against monkey pox virus and may help reduce severe symptoms. Like many other vaccines, the Imvamune vaccine can take up to two weeks to protect members of the community from serious outbreaks associated with the monkeypox virus. To protect the privacy of at-risk community members attending the emerging vaccination clinic, we ask the media not to be present at the clinic. “This clinic is part of our preventive plan to tackle the monkey pox virus and reduce the chances of the virus spreading in our community. “I would encourage those members of the community who are at risk of being vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones from the serious effects associated with this virus.” – Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Health Officer
Quick facts
Monkey pox was detected in Nigeria in 2017 after more than 40 years with no reported cases. Monkey pox is a rare disease caused by a virus commonly found in central and western Africa. It was first found in monkeys, but its origin remains unknown. Ontario Public Health updates monkey pox data in Ontario on Tuesday and Friday. As of Tuesday, June 28, 67 laboratory-confirmed cases of smallpox have been reported in Ontario.
