Vancouver Coastal adjusts monkeypox vaccine strategy ahead of Pride events
Posted July 7, 2022 2:23 pm.
Last Updated July 7, 2022 2:33 pm.
With 18 cases of monkeypox now confirmed in B.C., Vancouver Coastal Health is taking a more proactive and focused approach to vaccination ahead of the city’s major Pride celebrations later this month.
The health authority will provide vaccine clinics at places like bath houses and clinics which provide health services specifically for men who have sex with men.
“We’re not trying to drive people to those settings,” Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Mark Lysyshyn explained to CityNews. “We’re essentially taking advantage of the opportunity that people are there [who are] in that high-risk category, and are immunizing there. The HIM clinic is reaching out to their client base and letting them know about the vaccination clinics so they can book appointments and come in. So different strategies at the different venues.”
Related article: Monkeypox outbreaks prompt concern over possible stigma
The change is quite recent. Lysyshyn says VCH offered the first of these monkeypox vaccine clinics at the HIM clinic on Canada Day, followed by clinics at bath houses over the following weekend.
He explains it’s about offering protection to people who may be at higher risk of infection.
“We’ve shifted our vaccination strategy from vaccinating only close contacts and only high risk exposure settings — now, we’re extending that vaccination to people who are at high risk of getting the disease,” he said. “That is people who have had a number of sexual contacts in the last 21 days, people who have been going to bath houses or sex parties, people who have had anonymous sex, [and] people who have paid [for] or sold sex. So, we’ve put those criteria out there.”
“We’re doing vaccination clinics at some of the clinics where a lot of the cases are being identified, places like the HIM clinic on Davie [Street] and some of the other clinics. So, we’re trying to get the vaccine out there basically, in advance of Pride, where we do expect there will be more contact that occurs in Vancouver.”
WATCH: Monkeypox outbreaks prompt concern over stigma
As of Thursday, B.C. had confirmed 18 cases of monkeypox, all of which are in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. Lysyshyn says all of those cases have involved men who have sex with men.
While VCH has adjusted its approach to vaccinating against the virus, Lysyshyn says it’s not clear at this point how much vaccine will be available locally, noting the national supply is being sent to areas where vaccines are needed most.
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Across the country, most cases have involved gay and bisexual men, according to Health Canada.
However, doctors have warned this can lead some people to avoid getting proper treatment, and note this virus can infect anybody.
[2/3] Monkeypox can spread to anyone who has come into close contact with someone who has the virus, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and race.
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) July 7, 2022
“Monkeypox can spread to anyone who has come into close contact with someone who has the virus, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and race,” Health Canada reminded the public on social media Thursday.
“Stigmatization about infectious diseases can lead to a misunderstanding of risks and negative health outcomes.”
