Vaccination clinics will be held for those at risk for the monkeypox virus, Toronto Public Health said.
The clinics will begin on Sunday, marking the start of a series of community-based vaccination centers, public health said. The clinics are organized with the help of Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance and other community partners.
Vaccinations will target people who have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the monkeypox virus and people who are at higher risk of exposure.
“A clinic will vaccinate staff in Toronto bathrooms on Sunday, June 12,” Toronto Public Health said.
Read more: Monkeypox in Canada: 112 infections reported as global cases, top 1000
So far, there are 11 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Toronto. Nationally, there are at least 112 cases in Canada and all infected are men.
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According to public health in Toronto, the virus is spread through contact with body fluids, including contaminated clothing or bedding. It can also be spread by respiratory droplets after “prolonged” face-to-face contact and by animal bites and scratches.
“Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox wounds, or by sharing contaminated items,” said Toronto Public Health. “However, during this epidemic, gays, bisexuals and men who have sex with men have been affected in a number of countries.
Read more: Monkeypox: Vaccine recommended for Canadians at high risk of exposure
On Friday, the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NACI) published its interim guidelines on monkey vaccination. The vaccine – Imvamne – was approved by Health Canada in 2020 and can be used against diseases including monkeypox and smallpox.
“Thanks to the Gay Sexual Alliance and all of our community partners who are helping to inform and encourage people to take care of their health by receiving the vaccine to prevent monkeypox infection,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, a Toronto medical officer, said in a statement.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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