Government of New Brunswick

Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox)

The Imvamune vaccine is currently being offered to eligible New Brunswickers in a two-dose series.

Cisgender, transgender, or two-spirit individuals of any age who also self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual or men-who-have-sex-with-men community and who are or plan to become sexually active with more than one partner; Individuals who self-identify as sex workers; Staff or volunteers in sex-on-premises venues, and individuals who are traveling for the purpose of sex tourism, regardless of gender, sex assigned at birth, or sexual orientation. Individuals may now receive 2 doses of the vaccine as a public health measure to increase protection. A second dose at a 28-day interval is recommended.

Currently, the mpox vaccine is not routinely recommended for travellers without known exposure to mpox. However, Canadian Healthcare workers being deployed support the mpox clade I outbreak in countries where there is a level 2 travel health notice for mpox should receive 2 doses of Imvamune® administered at least 28 days apart, in advance of deployment, given the heightened mpox epidemiology in these regions and potential increased risk of exposure to the virus.

A parent/legal guardian needs to consent to immunization for minors younger than 16; however, the Medical Consent of Minors Act does allow for medical treatment (including any procedure undertaken for the purpose of preventing any disease or ailment) of a minor younger than 16 without the need for a parent/legal guardian’s consent when certain conditions are met.

How do I book an appointment?

If you meet eligibility criteria for the vaccine and would like to book an appointment, visit: https://schedule.ableassess.com/VNB/Register?culture=en or call 1-833-437-1424.

  • If individuals choose to book an appointment with a clinic located in a different zone, a postal code from another area may be used.
  • Individuals who would not prefer to use their name when booking an appointment are encouraged to use the following first and last name below:
    • First name: Imvamune
    • Last name: Vaccine

Before arriving at your appointment:

  • It is important to bring your medicare card to your appointment.
  • Please ensure your consent is filled out and brought with you.

A parent/legal guardian needs to consent to immunization for minors younger than 16; however, the Medical Consent of Minors Act does allow for medical treatment (including any procedure undertaken for the purpose of preventing any disease or ailment) of a minor younger than 16 without the need for a parent/legal guardian’s consent when certain conditions are met.

If unable to find an Imvamune appointment in your region, please contact your local Public Health office to discuss appointment options.  Public Health Clinics (gnb.ca)

What do I do if I think I have mpox?

If you develop symptoms and suspect you have mpox, contact 811 or a health-care provider for advice, testing, and medical care. You should avoid close contact with others until you have been assessed and additional information is provided.

Until you see a health-care provider:

  • Avoid close, intimate contact and sex with others
  • It is especially important to avoid close contact with people who may be at greater risk of experiencing severe illness, including pregnant people, people with a weakened immune system or children.
  • Do not share towels, clothing, sheets or other things that have touched your skin.
  • Cover any sores or blisters as much as possible with clothing or bandages.
  • Wear a mask when you are in close contact with others.

If you are confirmed or strongly suspected of having mpox, Public Health will be contacting you to gather more information and provide you with guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to others.

If you believe you are a close contact of someone who has been diagnosed with mpox, call your local Public Health office for further advice and guidance. Find your local Public health clinic contact information here.

Find more information on how to complete home isolation here.

What should I do when planning to travel?

Be aware of the mpox situation in the places you visit and take the same precautions you would use at home. Some people have been exposed or got mpox from close contact during sexual activity while travelling.

Further Information: