August 5, 2022 14:24 | news
Registered pharmacist Sapana Patel holds a bottle of smallpox vaccine at a pop-up smallpox vaccination site Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in West Hollywood, Calif. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
WINNIPEG – Manitoba has expanded eligibility for those who can receive the monkeypox vaccine.
The vaccine, which has been available since June in the province, was the first for those who may have been exposed to monkeypox.
On Friday, the province announced that those who identify as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) can also receive the vaccine, based on the following criteria:
- Having received a diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea and/or syphilis in the last two months
- Having had two or more sexual partners in the last 21 days
- You have attended places of sexual contact (for example, baths or sex clubs) or are planning to do so
- You have had or plan to have anonymous sex in the last 21 days
- Engaging in or planning sex work, either as a worker or client
Preventive immunization for eligible individuals can be booked at three Winnipeg locations using the online booking tool starting Monday, August 8:
- Community Health Clinic, 167 Sherbrook St.
- Access Winnipeg West, 280 Booth Dr.
- Our own health center, 230 Osborne St.
To date, no confirmed cases of monkeypox have been detected in Manitoba.
Although there have been no confirmed cases of monkeypox in MB, it is important that we are prepared. This includes making the vaccine available to people who are at higher risk of exposure. (1/4) https://t.co/nWKUDt7bBa
— Dr. Brent Roussin (@roussin_brent) August 5, 2022