The time has come for you to book your monkeypox vaccine appointment.
From today until Thursday, July 28, eligible members of the Trans, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) communities can book an appointment to get their monkeypox vaccine through the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) website.
Those who have been identified as a close contact by public health are also eligible.
Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person — generally skin-to-skin — and is characterized by fever and rashes typically on the face, hands or feet.
Along with being a member of the Trans, gay, bisexual and MSM communities, people must be at least 18 years old and have been either diagnosed with a bacterial STI within the past two months, had two or more sexual partners in the past 21 days, engaged in sex work, attended venues for sexual contact or had casual sex within the past 21 days or plan to in the future.
While the vaccine is only being offered to some communities at the moment, VCH has said anyone can be infected with monkeypox regardless of sexuality and should monitor for symptoms.
All available appointments are at the West End Community Vaccination Clinic in downtown Vancouver, and no ID or MSP is required.
People will need a personal health number and to create a VCH account to sign up.
If you are unable to get an appointment, VCH said it will have more opportunities in the future. Appointments are also available through Fraser Health and Island Health.
Stay safe (and booked and blessed) by signing up for an appointment as soon as possible.
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