Monkeypox
Monkeypox (MPX) is an illness with characteristic skin lesions that is spread through close contact. The virus is closely related to the virus that caused smallpox. Since May 2022 there is news of cases of monkeypox among gay, bisexual, and other men who sleep with men (GBMSM), with confirmed cases here in Canada, the US, UK, France, Spain, and 25 other countries.
In response to the increasing number of confirmed cases of MPX among GBMSM in Toronto, we are proud to announce that with the guidance of Toronto Public Health (TPH), ACT will be facilitating a monkeypox (MPX) vaccination clinic at our offices.
ACT monkeypox vaccination clinic will be held on
Tuesday June 21, 2022
1:00pm-7:30pm
at 543 Yonge Street, 4th floor (accessible by elevator)
(South of Wellesley Subway Station, on the East side of Yonge Street)
WALK-IN ONLY, FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
Who is this monkeypox vaccination clinic for?
Due to the rate at which confirmed monkeypox cases are appearing among gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM); this Vaccination Clinic is available for GBMSM (including cis, trans, and non-binary folks) with at least ONE of the following:
- Tested positive for an STI within the past 2-months; (STIs include: syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea)
- Had 2 or more sexual partners within the past 3-weeks;
- Attended a bathhouse or sex clubs within past 3-weeks;
- Worked/volunteered at a bathhouse within past 3-weeks;
- Had anonymous/casual sex within past 3-weeks;
- Engaged in sex work in the past 3-weeks.
How do I register for a spot at the vaccination clinic?
The vaccination clinic will be walk-in only, first come first serve while supplies last.
What to expect on the day of the clinic at the ACT office?
When you arrive at 543 Yonge Street, 4th floor, you will see signage immediately off the elevator directing you to a check-in space and waiting area.
- You will complete an intake form for Toronto Public Health to ensure that you are eligible for the monkeypox vaccination (Imvamune). For people with a compromised immune system and a CD4 count below 100, the nurse may suggest that you speak with your doctor to see if this vaccination is right for you.
- A Toronto Public Health nurse will then take you to a private room to review your intake form and administer the vaccine.
- After your vaccine, you will then be moved to a waiting area for 15-minutes to ensure that no one has any adverse effects from the vaccination.
For more information about the vaccination (Imvamune), check out this guide to vaccination (pdf).
Common Symptoms:
Symptoms typically show up within about five days of exposure to monkeypox but can take up to 21 days to show up. They can include:
- A rash or blisters in your mouth (like a canker sore), on your face, around your genitals, or around or in your butt
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Exhaustion
More serious symptoms are possible but are less common. Recently, between 3%-6% of cases have led to death.
In this most recent outbreak, some people had the rash or blisters appear first before feeling tired and feverish. And in some cases, people didn’t have any noticeable symptoms.
For more information about monkeypox (MPX), check out the following resources:
GMSH Monkeypox Resource Page gmsh.ca/monkeypox/
Toronto Public Health: Monkeypox Page www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/monkeypox/?accordion=monkeypox-cases-in-toronto