Vaccine information & eligibility
What is the Monkeypox vaccine (Imvamune®)?
Imvamune® vaccine is approved by Health Canada for protection against monkeypox. The vaccine contains weakened virus and cannot make you sick.
The vaccine can be used in two ways:
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Before being exposed to monkeypox virus: The vaccine can be used for protection against Monkeypox before getting exposed to the virus (this is known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
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After being exposed to monkeypox virus, before you have symptoms: The vaccine is given after being exposed to prevent illness or severe outcomes (this is known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
People who are identified as being at increased risk of exposure to monkeypox are encouraged to receive two doses (0.5ml) of the Imvamune® vaccine by injection given at least 28 days apart. Individuals with signs or symptoms of monkeypox infection should not receive the vaccine as the vaccine is not indicated in the treatment of monkeypox infection.
Please see the Monkeypox Vaccine Information Sheet for more information about the monkeypox vaccine.
Who is eligible for Imvamune® vaccine prior to exposure?
Hamilton Public Health continues to follow federal and provincial guidance on the administration of the Imvamune® vaccine to protect at-risk populations against the monkeypox virus. The vaccine is free and available to all eligible people.
Based on the Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, the following individuals are eligible for Imvamune® vaccine prior to exposure,
a.) 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 (gbMSM) community AND at least one of the following:
- Had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection 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 has other sexual partners
- Have attended venues for sexual contact (i.e., bathhouses, sex clubs) recently or may be planning to, or who work/volunteer in these settings?
- Have had anonymous sex (e.g., using hookup apps) recently or may be planning to
- Are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work.
b.) 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 as eligible for pre-exposure vaccination eligibility in parts a) or b) above who are moderately to severely immunocompromised OR pregnant may be at higher risk for severe illness from a monkeypox infection and should contact their healthcare provider to help determine eligibility for pre-exposure monkeypox vaccination.
If you meet the above eligibility criteria and are interested in pre-exposure vaccination, please call our Sexual Health Information Line 905-528-5894 - Mon to Fri from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to book an appointment. This clinic is by appointment only, no walk-ins will be accepted.
Hamilton Public Health will be offering monkeypox vaccination for at-risk populations at our Sexual Health Clinic.
People who meet the provincial criteria for vaccination to prevent monkeypox infection can book an appointment by calling our Sexual Health Info Line at 905-528-5894 - Mon to Fri from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
An OHIP card is not required. The vaccine is free and available to all eligible people. These clinics require booked appointments. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Hamilton Sexual Health Clinic
Hours of Operation:
- Wednesdays 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you. From the main floor of David Braley Health Sciences Centre, clinic access is via an elevator.
Imvamune® vaccine eligibility after being exposed to the monkeypox virus:
Individuals who have been identified by their local public health unit as having a high or intermediate-risk exposure with someone who has the monkeypox virus may be eligible to receive Imvamune®. These individuals will be contacted directly by their local public health unit.
When the vaccine is used as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (receiving the vaccine after exposure to the monkeypox virus), it should be given within 4 days, but can be given up to 14 days after the last exposure. Contact your healthcare provider or Hamilton Public Health to find out if you are eligible for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.