The Monkeypox (MPOX) vaccine, Imvamune®, is now available for eligible Yukoners at the Whitehorse, Dawson City and Watson Lake Health Centres.
When used before exposure, Imvamune® has the potential to reduce the severity of MPOX infection by helping the body build immunity without getting very sick.
The Government of Yukon and Yukon Communicable Disease Control continue to work closely with health system and community partners on a focused vaccine campaign for eligible Yukoners through a combination of outreach and appointments booked by phone.
Yukoners who meet eligibility criteria may call ahead to book an adult immunization appointment at Whitehorse, Dawson City and Watson Lake Health Centres during regular operating hours. No disclosure of risk factors is required to make an appointment, and all appointments and health information is confidential.
The MPOX vaccine is currently available to individuals who are two-spirit, transgender, and cis-gender males who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men community, and who also have one or more of the following risk factors:
- multiple sexual partners,
- self-reported history of a sexually transmitted infection within the last year,
- recent or planned attendance to locations for sexual contact, or
- recent or anticipated participation in anonymous or casual sex.
The vaccine is also available for individuals who are engaged in sex work.
Anyone with MPOX symptoms should contact their health care provider, health care centre or visit their nearest emergency room to find out if they should get tested.
Learn more at yukon.ca/mpox.
The MPOX vaccine is an additional tool to help protect Yukoners against this infection. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and Yukon Communicable Disease Control continue to work closely with all partners to perform routine case and contact management, provide the most up-to-date information available about preventing transmission, and provide vaccines to those who need them.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
Education, awareness of risk factors and vaccination are all important parts of the Yukon’s MPOX strategy. Anyone can be exposed and infected from close, skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact with an infected person. Even if you have received an MPOX vaccine, if you develop symptoms or feel unwell, contact your health care provider, health centre or visit the emergency room to be assessed and to protect yourself and others. If you’re unsure, call 811.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade
MPOX typically causes mild disease that resolves within two to four weeks. For some people, symptoms can be challenging to manage, and can include fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and a painful skin rash. Fatalities from MPOX have been documented, but they are rare.
Imvamune® protects against infection from the virus that causes MPOX. It helps the body build immunity without getting very sick.
The MPOX vaccine is available to eligible Yukoners at the Whitehorse, Dawson City and Watson Lake Health Centres during normal operating hours. More details and specific eligibility criteria can be found at Yukon.ca/monkeypox.
Yukoners who meet eligibility criteria can call ahead to book an adult immunization appointment during regular hours:
- Whitehorse Health Centre
9010 Quartz Road Y1A 2C6
- Dawson City Health Centre
501 Sixth Avenue Y0B 1G0
- Watson Lake Health Centre
801 Ravenhill Drive Y0A 1C0
Consistent with other jurisdictions and scientific publications, the Department of Health and Social Services refers to monkeypox as MPOX.
- Whitehorse Health Centre
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Carleen Kerr
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8293
carleen.kerr@yukon.ca