Mpox vaccine (first and second doses) are now available to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria below.
221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston
Thursday, February 2, from 1 to 3:45 p.m.
Imvamune® vaccine is approved in Canada for protection against mpox. Each eligible person should be offered a two-dose series, each dose (0.5ml) of the Imvamune® vaccine. These doses should be at least 28 days between first and second doses. The vaccine contains modified virus and cannot make you sick.
The vaccine can be used for protection against mpox before getting exposed to the virus (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – PrEP) or after being exposed (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis – PEP). It is not used as a treatment if you already have mpox. At this time, people who have or have had mpox are not eligible for the vaccine.
Eligibility for protection before an exposure to mpox virus |
Based on the Ontario Ministry of Health’s guidelines, individuals must meet the criteria below to be eligible for a mpox vaccine. 1) Two-spirited, non-binary, trans- or cis-gender individuals who self-identify or have sexual partners who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community AND at least one of the following:
2) Any individual who engages in sex work or may be planning to. 3) Household and/or sexual contacts of those identified for eligibility in parts (1) and (2) above AND are moderately to severely immunocompromised or pregnant. These individuals may be at higher risk for severe illness from a Mpox infection. For more information on vaccine eligibility contact KFL&A Public Health or your healthcare provider. 4) Individuals must be 18 or older. Receiving other vaccines before and after mpox vaccine
If you are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressive therapies (this includes HIV positive with a CD4 count of less than 100) please speak with your health care provider to see if the vaccine is right for you. The vaccine is free and available to all eligible people. No ID or OHIP required. Wait to get vaccinated if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or required to self-isolate. If you think you have mpox, it is important to isolate right away and contact a healthcare provider. Do not visit a mpox vaccine clinic. The vaccine is not used to treat mpox. |
Imvamune® vaccine eligibility after being exposed to the mpox virus |
At this time, people who have a known exposure or close contact with someone with mpox can get the vaccine as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), even if they would not be eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) vaccine . When the vaccine is used as PEP, it should be given within four days, but can be given up to 14 days after the last exposure. The vaccine is free and available to all eligible people. No ID or OHIP required. Wait to get vaccinated if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or required to self-isolate. Based on the Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, individuals who have been identified by their local public health unit as having a high or intermediate-risk exposure with someone who has the Mpox virus are eligible to receive Imvamune®. These individuals will be contacted directly by their local public health unit. If you think you have had close contact with someone who has mpox contact your healthcare provider or KFL&A Public Health to find out if you are eligible for vaccine. If you think you have mpox, it is important to isolate right away and contact a healthcare provider. Do not visit a mpox vaccine clinic. The vaccine is not used to treat mpox. |
Imvamune® vaccine side effects |
Like other vaccines, this vaccine may cause some side effects. Most are mild to moderate, and go away on their own within seven days. Common side effects include:
Contact a health care provider or go to the nearest emergency department if you have any of these symptoms after getting the vaccine:
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Imvamune® vaccine information sheet |
This guidance provides basic information only. This document is not intended to provide or take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or legal advice. What is Imvamune®?Imvamune® vaccine is approved in Canada for protection against smallpox, mpox, and other orthopoxvirus-related illnesses. The vaccine contains weakened virus and cannot make you sick. Who should get the mpox vaccine?Currently, in Ontario, one dose of Imvamune® can be received as:
Is the vaccine safe and effective?
Who should not receive the vaccine?Imvamune® is not indicated for the treatment of mpox infection. If you are experiencing any symptoms of mpox, please let your health care provider know before receiving the vaccine. Imvamune® should also not be given to individuals who have allergies to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. If you have a history of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) linked to a previous dose of a first or second generation smallpox vaccine, speak to your health care provider. Please talk to your health care provider about the potential risks of getting this vaccine. Does Imvamune® leave a scar like the smallpox vaccine?No, Imvamune® will not leave a scar like previous smallpox vaccines as it is not given through scarification. Imvamune® is delivered through the subcutaneous route, which means that the needle is placed into the fatty tissue below the skin and above the muscle tissue. Does Imvamune® have side effects?Imvamune®, like other vaccines, may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The most reported side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Other common side effects may include fatigue, headache, muscle aches and pain, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild to moderate and on average did not last longer than seven days after receiving the vaccine. No cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) have been identified in clinical trials of Imvamune®. If you develop any cardiac symptoms after receiving the vaccine, please contact your health care provider. When should I call my health care provider?Call your health care provider or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms after receiving the mpox vaccine:
Where can I get more information?For more information on mpox, please see resources below, or talk to your health care provider.
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Information about Imvamune® |
Vaccine overviewThe Imvamune® vaccine:
The vaccine is free and available to eligible people. You do not need ID or OHIP. Wait to get vaccinated if you have any COVID-19 or mpox symptoms, or if you are required to self-isolate. If you think you have mpox, it’s important to isolate right away and contact a health care provider. |
Who should not receive the vaccine? |
Imvamune® is not indicated for the treatment of mpox infection. If you are experiencing any symptoms of mpox, please let your health care provider know. Do not attend a vaccine clinic.
Speak to a healthcare provider before getting the vaccine if you:
For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, it is currently recommended that people wait at least four weeks after receiving a live vaccine and at least 2 weeks after receiving an inactivated vaccine before receiving the mpox vaccine. |