B.C. details monkeypox vaccine availability as outbreak spreads globally

The B.C. government says the monkeypox vaccine is being made available to eligible patients in most areas of the province.

A statement from the Ministry of Health says cases of the virus are low in B.C., but some community transmission has been identified, so the vaccine is being offered in Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), Fraser Health, Vancoouver Island Health, and Interior Health regions.

Priority is being given to patients in the Lower Mainland, where most infections have occurred, and contact tracing is underway to identify anyone else who could benefit from the vaccine.

The ministry says that as of Wednesday, 61 cases of monkeypox had been identified in B.C., with 54 in VCH, three in Fraser Health and four on Vancouver Island.

Of the 14,480 doses of vaccine B.C. has received, the ministry says about half had been administered to high-risk people by Monday.

The ministry says monkeypox, a member of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox, does not spread easily between people, and all identified cases in the province have involved prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which is the suspected primary source of infection.

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VCH is rolling out a focused monkeypox vaccine initiative in collaboration with Pride events.

Pop-up vaccination sites will appear around Metro Vancouver, including the Davie Street Village and specific Pride locations all weekend.

The following pop-up vaccine clinic dates are being offered:

• Alternative Pride Wristband Pick up – July 28, 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Menagery Pride Party at the Harbour Centre – July 29, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on July 30
• Street Party at Red Truck Brewing – July 30, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Sunset Beach – July 31, 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

VCH Medical Health Officer Dr. Mark Lysyshyn has previously urged anyone who has symptoms to see a health official right away.

“People who are affected by monkeypox — people who might have a fever or new skin rashes — they really need to get that checked out by their family doctor and avoid contact with others until they figure out what’s going on,” he explained.

Anyone who can’t make the pop-up clinics can also book a vaccine online through the VCH website.

– With files from Hana Mae Nassar