Monkeypox PrEP Immunization Offered to Eligible Individuals

Advisory Alert

July 26, 2022

*Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.

To: Local Health System Partners

FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

Stay up to date with Monkeypox testing and treatment guidance and other key resources by visiting the Ministry of Health website

Imvamune® is a live attenuated, non-replicating vaccine that is used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for monkeypox in Ontario. Health Canada first approved the use of this vaccine in 2013 for active immunization against smallpox in a public health emergency. In 2020, Health Canada expanded approval of Imvamune® to include additional indications, specifically protecting against monkeypox and related orthopoxvirus infections in adults 18 years of age and older at high risk of exposure. The use of Imvamune® has not been studied in individuals less than 18 years of age or in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Imvamune® is currently being used as PrEP in Ontario for individuals in locations with confirmed cases. Given the limited supply of this vaccine, Ontario is using a ring vaccination approach. Eligible individuals are being offered one dose of Imvamune® or two doses if the eligible individual is immunocompromised. Further information can be found in the following Ministry of Health documents: Monkeypox Vaccine (Imvamune ^®), Guidance for Health Care Providers and Monkeypox Vaccine Information Sheet.

Locally, Public Health’s Elm Place office in Sudbury (10 Elm St., Unit 130) and Réseau ACCESS Network will provide Imvamune® PrEP to eligible individuals by appointment who would like to receive the vaccine. Public Health will also coordinate to ensure PrEP is accessible throughout its catchment area, as needed. The administration of Imvamune® should be considered for the individuals meeting the criteria below.

Criteria for Imvamune® PrEP

Trans- or cis-gender individuals who self-identify as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are eligible to receive Imvamune® if at least one of the following applies:

Have received a diagnosis of bacterial STI (i.e. chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) in the past 2 months. Have had 2 or more sexual partners within the past 21days or may be planning to.
Have attended venues for sexual contact within the past 21 days (e.g., bathhouses, sex clubs) or may be planning to, or who work or volunteer in these settings.
Have had anonymous sex in the past 21 days (e.g. using “hookup” apps) or maybe planning to.
Engage in sex work or may be planning to, and their sexual contacts.

Individuals who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or breastfeeding may be at higher risk for severe illness from a monkeypox infection. These individuals should contact Public Health for consideration of PrEP if they are at risk for contracting monkeypox.

Imvamune® is also used as PEP in individuals with recent high-risk monkeypox exposures. A single dose of the vaccine should be offered within 4 days (up to 14 days) from the date of the last exposure to a confirmed or probable case of monkeypox.

Eligible individuals who want to receive PrEP should be directed to call Public Health at 705.522.9200, ext. 482 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or Réseau ACCESS Network at 705.688.0500. Individuals can also call Public Health at ext. 772 if they are seeking PEP.

For case and contact management information, please contact the Control of Infectious Diseases program at 705.522.9200, ext. 772 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

Sincerely,

Original Signed By

Dr. Penny Sutcliffe
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer

NOTE: All Advisory Alerts are found on our website.

This item was last modified on May 6, 2024