Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox (formerly monkeypox) after confirming an increase in cases since the start of the year. To provide low-barrier, convenient, and equitable access to vaccination, TPH is hosting a series of clinics starting April 3.
Walk-in and booked appointments are available. TPH encourages eligible residents to book appointments using TPH’s online booking system.
Appointments will be added to the booking system later this week and announced on TPH’s social media channels.
TPH has confirmed the first vaccination clinics will operate at the following locations and times:
In addition to these clinics, eligible residents can receive the vaccine by appointment only at the Crossways and Scarborough Sexual Health Clinics.
The vaccine is free of charge, and an OHIP card is not required. In addition to TPH-hosted clinics, residents can inquire about vaccine availability where they currently access sexual healthcare services.
Eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated against mpox are encouraged to get their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible, with a second dose given at least 28 days later. The vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks. Individuals planning to travel soon are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving, as cases are being reported in various regions around the world.
Vaccination can protect against the mpox virus and help reduce serious symptoms. Individuals who received a smallpox vaccination in the past are not protected against mpox. They should get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible for the best protection.
For more information including eligibility requirements, visit the City’s mpox webpage.
Mpox is a virus that spreads from person to person through contact with infected lesions, skin blisters, body fluids or respiratory secretions. It can also be transmitted by contact with materials contaminated with the virus like clothing or bedding and through bites or scratches from infected animals. Currently, mpox has spread mostly between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus – with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men being most affected.
For those who do become infected, mpox symptoms can start five to 21 days after exposure and include:
These symptoms are followed by a rash or blisters and lesions on the skin that can be painful including around the genitals.
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