Mpox Vaccine

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Since early May 2022, cases of mpox have been reported in many countries where the virus does not normally spread. Cases have been identified in B.C. – including in Island Health – and other parts of Canada. 

Please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s Mpox page for more information, including:

  • How mpox spreads
  • Prevention and vaccination, including eligibility for second doses
  • Symptoms
  • What to do if you have been exposed or become ill
  • Recommendations for Two-spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities (2SGBTQ+)
  • A handout for Indigenous communities
  • Guidance for event planning during Pride
  • Travel and Mpox awareness

Vaccine Eligibility 

A vaccine that protects against mpox and severe symptoms is available for people at higher risk. The vaccine (IMVAMUNE) is given as 2 doses 28 or more days apart. At this time there is no recommendation for a booster dose following a two-dose series. Anyone who received a first dose of IMVAMUNE vaccine and meets the current mpox vaccine eligibility criteria is encouraged to receive a second dose. Find more information on second doses

The following people are eligible for the mpox vaccine:  

  • Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary people or cisgender males who belong to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men community who:
    • Have sex with more than one partner
    • Have sex with a partner who has more than one sexual partner
    • Had a sexually transmitted infection in the past year
    • Have casual sex
    • Engage in sexual contact in sex-on-premises venues
    • Have sex with sex workers
  • Sexual partners of anyone meeting the above criteria
  • Sex workers
  • Staff or volunteers in sex-on-premises venues
  • People who engage in sex tourism
  • People who anticipate experiencing any of the above situations
  • Canadian health professionals travelling to support mpox outbreaks in countries where there is a  level 2 travel health notice for mpox.

Only those who meet the eligibility criteria above can receive the vaccine from public health. At this time, the mpox vaccine is not available for purchase in B.C.

  • You don't need to start the series over if it's been longer than 28 days since your first dose of vaccine.
  • Those who meet the eligibility criteria for the IMVAMUNE vaccine but haven’t yet received their first dose are encouraged to get vaccinated (MSP/CareCard not required).
  • People who have had an mpox infection do not require a vaccine. Prior infection from mpox is expected to provide immunity against future infections.
  • Individuals experiencing symptoms of mpox should not attend a clinic to receive the mpox vaccine. Use the Smart Sex Resource site to find clinics to get tested.
  • If you are eligible for IMVAMUNE vaccine (see above vaccine eligibility), you may be eligible to receive other vaccines at no charge, such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and HPV (individuals up to 45 years old). At some clinics, it may be possible to receive these vaccines at your IMVAMUNE vaccine appointment. Appointments for these additional vaccines may also be booked separately through your local health unit, community pharmacy, or some sexual health clinics or physician offices.
  • Misidentifying oneself as being eligible for mpox vaccine directs this critical resource away from people most at risk, and limits its utility in preventing onward transmission and protecting the wider population from a bigger outbreak. Only book an appointment if you meet the criteria above.

Book an mpox vaccination appointment

People who are eligible can book first- or second-dose appointments through their local health unit, community pharmacy, physician office and some sexual health clinics. Please note that health units do not accept drop-ins.  

Resources

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