The Manitoba government has opened additional monkeypox vaccination appointments as the province’s top doctor encouraged members of at-risk communities to reduce their chances of exposure.
While no cases of the disease have been confirmed in Manitoba so far, provincial director of public health Dr. Brent Roussin said Thursday that people should take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of smallpox monkey
“Consider limiting the number of people you have close skin-to-skin contact with, and that might include considering limiting the number of sexual partners you can have,” Roussin said.
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
In a screenshot from the video press conference, Dr. Brent Roussin, provincial public health officer, provides an update on monkeypox vaccination in the province.
The doctor also recommended that people avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who have symptoms; maintain good hand hygiene; regularly clean frequently touched objects; refrain from sharing personal items; and avoid touching the bedding or clothing of someone who is suspected of having or diagnosed with smallpox.
After appointments for monkeypox vaccines sold out earlier this week, people who are eligible for immunization can now re-book an appointment online at various locations across the province, say Thursday the province.
People without Internet access can call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to schedule an appointment or contact their local public health office.
Vaccination is offered to people who identify as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and who meet one of 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;
• Having attended places of sexual contact or planning to do so;
• Have had anonymous sex in the last 21 days or plan to do so;
• Or participate in or plan to engage in sex work, either as a worker or client.
People who are in close contact with someone with monkeypox are also eligible for post-exposure vaccination and should contact their local public health office to schedule a shot.
Roussin said the vaccines are available in all health regions, although supplies are limited and are being reserved for those who would benefit most from immunization. The province is also working with partners and community organizations to promote vaccination.
“That appointment availability will continue to be based on the demand for immunizations across that eligible population, which we’re tracking quite closely,” he said.
“We have a scarce vaccine resource, so we need to provide that resource to those who we see as having the greatest risk of transmission.”
The province will likely begin reporting the number of doses provided weekly starting next week, Roussin said.