Mpox

Imvamune® is the current vaccine approved in Canada to protect against mpox, smallpox and related orthopoxvirus infections. 

The vaccine:

• is safe, effective and helps reduce your risk of mpox infection and severe illness; 
• contains a weakened virus that cannot cause mpox or smallpox; 
• can be given before exposure to mpox (pre-exposure vaccination); and 
• can be given after a known exposure to mpox (post-exposure vaccination).

You should consider getting vaccinated if you anticipate exposure to mpox through:

• sexual contact; 
• work; or
• activities in higher-risk settings. 

You may also be eligible if you’ve had recent close contact with someone who has mpox. 

You may be eligible if you are a man or Two-spirit person who has sex with men. This includes cisgender, transgender and gender-diverse people who meet any of the following criteria. 

• You have more than 1 sexual partner. 
• You have a partner who has other sexual partners. 
• You’ve had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past year. 
• You’ve had sexual contact in places where people meet new partners, for example, sex-on-premises venues. 

Common side effects are mild and usually last 1 to 2 days. They may include: 

• redness, swelling or soreness at the injection site; 
• a mild fever; and 
• tiredness.

How to manage side effects

• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the injection site. 
• Use acetaminophen if needed. 
• Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours.

After you get the vaccine

• Stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine.
• Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Clinic staff are trained to treat them right away.
• If you have symptoms of a severe reaction after leaving the clinic, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Mpox vaccine is given as a 2-dose series, with doses given at least 28 days apart.

Additional doses or boosters

At this time, routine booster doses are not recommended for people who have completed the 2-dose mpox vaccine series.

Health care providers may recommend additional doses for certain laboratory workers with ongoing occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses. Speak with your health care provider to find out if you need an additional dose.

Do not get the mpox vaccine if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. 

Consult your health care provider before booking an appointment if you are immunocompromised or have a history of heart inflammation, such as myocarditis or pericarditis, linked to a previous 1st or 2nd smallpox vaccine. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria, call your local health centre to book an adult immunization appointment.

You do not need to disclose your risk factors when you book. Your appointment and health information are confidential.