Last updated: August 18, 2022 at 2:45 p.m.
Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness, followed by a rash over a person’s body. It is usually spread by very close contact with someone who has the virus.
Anyone can get monkeypox. However, during the current outbreak, gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men have been impacted the most. At this time, monkeypox has mostly spread between people who had close intimate/sexual contact with a person who has the virus. The virus also does not spread through casual contact.
Monkeypox typically spreads from a person with the virus to others through:
The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin or through the eyes and mouth.
Someone with monkeypox can usually pass on the virus when they develop a skin rash or blisters, but it may also spread when they have early symptoms including fever and headache.
Symptoms usually start within six to 13 days after being exposed to monkeypox, but can start anywhere from five to 21 days after exposure.
Symptoms include:
Monkeypox is diagnosed by a healthcare provider, based on symptoms and a laboratory test.
More Information:
If you think you have monkeypox, it is important to isolate right away and contact a health care provider. For more information on how to self-isolate, visit the Monkeypox Self-Isolation Guidance page.
You can get tested for monkeypox at a healthcare provider’s office, local walk-in clinic or sexual health clinics. Call in advance to make sure that monkeypox testing is available. Please do not call or go to an emergency department for testing. Only go to the emergency department if you need emergency care.
Toronto Public Health will contact and give guidance to people who test positive for monkeypox as well as known close contacts of someone who tests positive.
People who have been in contact with a person who has monkeypox should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. If no symptoms appear you can continue with normal activities. If symptoms develop, you should isolate and contact a healthcare provider.
Most people recover from monkeypox on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some people can get seriously sick. Most people do not require treatment for monkeypox.
Imvamune® vaccine is approved in Canada for protection against monkeypox. Each eligible person receives one dose (0.5ml) of the Imvamune vaccine. The vaccine contains modified virus and cannot make you sick.
The vaccine can be used for protection against monkeypox before getting exposed to the virus (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – PrEP) or after being exposed (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis – PEP). It is not used as a treatment if you already have monkeypox. At this time, people who have or have had monkeypox are not eligible for the vaccine.
After getting the vaccine, it takes two weeks to build protection. During these two weeks, consider reducing your number of close contacts, including sex partners.
Toronto Public Health continues to follow federal and provincial guidance on the administration of Imvamune vaccines to protect at-risk populations against the monkeypox virus. Based on Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, only one dose is given at this time. Clinics are for transgender men and women or cis-gender individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community AND at least one of the following:
At this time, people who have a known exposure/close contact with someone with monkeypox can get the vaccine as PEP, even if they would not be eligible for PrEP.
When the vaccine is used as PEP, it should be given within four days, but can be given up to 14 days after the last exposure.
Contact a healthcare provider or Toronto Public Health to find out if you are eligible for PrEP or PEP.
The vaccine is free and available to all eligible people. No ID or OHIP required. Appointments at our City-run clinics are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
Wait to get vaccinated if you have any COVID-19 symptoms and/or you are required to self-isolate.
If you think you have monkeypox, it’s important to isolate right away and contact a health care provider. Do not visit any monkeypox vaccination clinics.
The vaccine may cause some side effects. Most are mild to moderate, and do not last longer than seven days. Common side effects include:
Contact a health care provider or go to the nearest emergency department if you have any of these symptoms after getting the vaccine:
An AEFI is any time you feel unwell more than what you were told to expect after getting a vaccine. If you think you are experiencing an AEFI, contact a health care provider.
Your health care provider will report the AEFI to Toronto Public Health (TPH). TPH will help the health care provider investigate if your illness was caused by the vaccine. TPH reports AEFIs to the Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, and the Public Health Agency of Canada to make sure that vaccines continue to be safe. Companies that make vaccines do not help investigate AEFIs.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) and community partners will be hosting the following Monkeypox vaccination clinics for at-risk populations.
People who meet the provincial criteria for vaccination to prevent monkeypox infection can book an appointment at a City-run clinic through the TPH Booking System. Appointments are preferred but walk ins are also accepted. An OHIP card is not required. The vaccine is free and available to all eligible people.
Day(s) and hour of operation: Mondays to Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 214 Wellington St. W., Main Floor
Use the Metro Hall entrance accessible from the north side of Wellington St., east of John St.
(View map of clinic location at Metro Hall)
Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you. From the main floor of Metro Hall, clinic access is via an accessibility elevator or a short flight of stairs.
Day(s) and Hours of Operation: Tuesdays to Fridays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 250 The East Mall
The clinic is located at the north end of mall (in the previous Target store location). Enter the clinic via the exterior entrance only.
(View map of clinic location within Cloverdale Mall)
Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.
A health card is not needed; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.
Parking: Free parking is available at the mall. Parking at the north end of the mall is closest to the clinic.
Day(s) and Hours of Operation: Tuesdays to Fridays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 1940 Eglinton Ave. E., 2nd floor
(View map of clinic location at 1940 Eglinton Ave E)
Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.
A health card is not needed; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.
Parking: Free parking is available in front of and behind the building.
Day(s) and Hours of Operation: Sunday, August 21, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, August 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, August 31, 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Address: 519 Church St., Toronto
The following City-run clinics provide the Monkeypox vaccine: Metro Hall, Cloverdale Mall, and 1940 Eglinton Ave E.
All City-run clinics are able to offer accommodation.
Each City-run clinic has parking near the entrance, ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs. Staff are also on site at each clinic to support if required. Clients who need a care provider or service animal with them will be accommodated. There are also privacy rooms available upon request. If you require an accommodation, alert a staff member upon arrival or at any time while at the clinic.
You may request an accommodation ahead of attending a City-run clinic. You will be asked the date and time when you plan to access your vaccination dose and a public health nurse will contact you within two business days to confirm the details of your request.
Examples of accommodations we can provide include:
If you require assistance filling out the survey or requesting accommodation, please call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 (TTY: 416-392-0658).
To view the latest data on Monkeypox in Toronto, visit Public Health Ontario’s Monkeypox webpage, updated twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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Prevent the Spread of Monkeypox Poster
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Download the Prevent the Spread of Monkeypox Poster |
Preventing Monkeypox Spread Checklist
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Download the Preventing Monkeypox Spread Checklist Poster |
Reduce the Spread of Monkeypox When Using Drugs Poster
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Download the Reduce the Spread of Monkeypox When Using Drugs Poster |
Monkeypox Self-Screening Poster
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Download the Help Stop the Spread of Monkeypox Poster |
Monkeypox Fact Sheet
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Download the Monkeypox Fact Sheet |
Monkeypox Vaccine Fact Sheet
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Download the Monkeypox Vaccine Fact Sheet |