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.

  • The mpox vaccine is publicly funded for:
  • 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,
  • Individuals who are traveling for the purpose of sex tourism, regardless of gender, sex assigned at birth, or sexual orientation.
  • Individuals who are travelling to an area with ongoing community transmission of Mpox clade I and anticipate either of the following:
    • Prolonged close contact (e.g., sharing accommodation), with people who reside in the area of active transmission; or
    • Sexual contact with people who reside in, or spend extended time in, the area of active transmission.
  • Canadian healthcare workers being deployed support the mpox outbreaks in advance of their deployment
  • Personnel who work in research laboratory settings and who are at high risk of occupational exposure to replicating orthopoxviruses that pose a risk to human health.

At this time, the mpox vaccine is not routinely recommended for healthcare workers, without known exposure to mpox.  However, it may be considered on an individual basis based on a high risk of frequent exposure (e.g., healthcare workers who work at clinics that are frequently involved in the diagnosis and management of mpox). Contact your healthcare provider or your local Public Health office to see if you are eligible.

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.  

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 healthcare 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 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: