Achi news desk-
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is holding a series of low barrier mpox vaccination clinics as virus spikes in the city.
The first walk-in clinic is scheduled for Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm at the 519 community center at 519 Church St.
The second is scheduled for Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm, at Metro Hall, 214 Wellington St. W. An appointment is required for this clinic. Walk-ins are not accepted.
In addition to these two clinics, residents deemed eligible for the vaccine can receive it by appointment only at the Crossways Sexual Health Clinic at 2340 Dundas St. W. in Etobicoke and the Scarborough Sexual Health Clinic at 160 Borough Dr.
People can also ask about the vaccine available when they are currently using sexual health care services.
The vaccine, which is free and can be obtained without an Ontario health card or health insurance, is not given to those who have or have had mpox.
Those eligible to be vaccinated against mpox are encouraged to get their first dose as soon as possible and then a second dose at least 28 days later.
The vaccine, which protects against the mpox virus and helps reduce severe symptoms of it, becomes most effective after two weeks.
Anyone at risk of contracting mpox who plans to travel soon is especially encouraged to get vaccinated before they leave as outbreaks are being reported in different regions around the world.
Information about upcoming clinic locations, dates, times as well as appointments is available on the TPH website.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a virus that can spread from person to person through contact with infected sores, skin blisters, body fluids, or respiratory secretions. It can also be transmitted through contact with materials contaminated with the virus such as clothing or bedding, and through bites or scratches from infected animals.
The virus is mainly spread between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person infected with mpox. Among those most affected are gay and bisexual men as well as men who have sex with other men, says Toronto Public Health.
Symptoms of mpox usually begin five to 21 days after exposure to the virus and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Public health said these symptoms are followed by a rash, blisters, or sores on the skin that can be painful, including around the genitals.
Toronto Public Health is urging anyone who thinks they may have mpox to “immediately isolate and contact a healthcare provider.”
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