Hamilton public health to host pop-up monkeypox vaccination clinic Thursday

On Thursday, HamiltonPublic Health Services is hosting a pop-up vaccination clinic for monkeypox.

The clinic will be operating by appointment only, from 9 am to 6 pm in theEast End Public Health Clinic at247 Centennial Pkwy. N.

In a news release, a city official said even though there are no confirmed cases locally and the risk of infection is low for Hamiltonians, the city is working with various "Public Health Units in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to ensure there are proactive actions taken in response to the virus."

People with monkeypox often experience symptoms like fever, body aches and a rash; most recover within weeks without needing medical care.

They said they are targeting the vaccine administration to those most at risk.

"The clinic is intended for community members 18 years old and over who are transgender or cisgender individuals who self-identify as a man and belong to the community of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men community."

They also encouraged people who meet at least one of the following criteria to get the vaccine:

• People who hadcontact withan individual who recently tested positive for monkeypox.
• Peoplewho have had two or more sexual partners within the past three weeks.
• Those who have been diagnosed with a chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infection over the past two months.
• People who have attended bath houses, sex clubs and other venues for sexual contact within the past three weeks, including workers and volunteers.
• People who have had anonymous or casual sex in the past three weeks.

Residents who want to get the vaccine can book an appointment by calling the Public Health hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7.