cisgender, transgender, or two-spirit individuals who self-identify as part of the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community and meet at least one of the following criteria: have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the past six months (previously, diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis in the last two months). you have had two or more sexual partners in the past 90 days (previously, it was the past 21 days); you’ve had anonymous sex in the last 90 days (eg using apps, websites, formal/informal gatherings) or plan to (previously, it was in the last 21 days), visited places for sex (eg bathhouses or clubs sex ) or plan to engage in sex work or plan to, as an employee or client; or any sexual contacts of the persons described above (new).
Newly eligible people will be able to start booking vaccination appointments on Monday 29 August at 9am. Anyone can get infected with monkey pox. However, in Canada and around the world, infections have currently been reported primarily among people who self-identify as part of the gbMSM community. Manitoba has reported one confirmed case of monkeypox to date. As of August 21, 436 doses of the vaccine have been administered to eligible individuals in Manitoba. This information is updated online on Tuesdays, based on information entered in the province’s immunization registry. The registry is regularly updated by healthcare providers, but is not intended to provide real-time data. Appointments are available in communities across the province. Vaccination can be booked for eligible individuals using the online booking tool at pati.petal-health.com. People without Internet access can call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) 1-888-315-9257 for help booking an appointment. Public health will also reach eligible populations to support immunization efforts. If appointments in the online system are not easily accessible, individuals can also contact their local public health office to discuss other options. People who have been in close contact with someone with monkeypox are still eligible for post-exposure vaccination and should contact their local public health office to make an appointment. People who need more information about monkeypox or vaccinations can contact their local public health office, health care provider or Health Links-Info Santé. Additional information is also available at gov.mb.ca.
