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St. Paul added to expanded Monkeypox vaccine locations

The Monkeypox vaccine is now available to eligible Albertans in nine cities and towns across the province. Making the list last week was St. Paul, Edson, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer.

LAKELAND - The Monkeypox vaccine is now available to eligible Albertans in seven more cities and towns across the province. Making the list was St. Paul, Edson, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, as the province expanded the availability of the vaccine. 

The additional locations for the limited vaccine availability was announced by Alberta Health Service (AHS) and will allow individuals to get vaccinated closer to home, said Dr. Kathryn Koliaska, AHS north zone medical officer of health. 

“When we’re looking at rolling out the vaccine and picking a central area for vaccines, we looked at where the population is, how easy it is for people to access, but also we are well aware in public health and in the North Zone that there are very long distances sometimes for these people to travel,” she said. 

“You sort of see on the map that they’re strategically located in that fashion.” 

Across the province, more than 2,000 individuals have signed up to receive the Imvamune vaccine, but considering the roll-out is relatively new across the province it will take time to see how the uptake increases, said Koliaska. 

Vaccine eligibility  

Eligible Albertans include groups from the LGBTQ2+ community that is deemed to be at higher risk for contracting the Monkeypox virus that has spread globally in recent months, said Koliaska. The reason, she says, is from an epidemiological perspective the community has been impacted in larger numbers. Of the 19 cases found in Alberta as of Aug. 10, often gay and bisexual men have been affected, although anyone can contract the virus. 

“Viruses spread wherever they have an opportunity… but just from an epidemiological science point of view that’s where we first saw this disease appear,” explained Koliaska. 

More information on who is eligible for the vaccine can be accessed through the Alberta Health Services website.

How the virus spreads 

The Monkeypox virus, which is said to be in the same family as the smallpox virus, is important to be aware of, said Koliaska. Provincial health officials continue to undertake and learn how to curb the spread of the Monkeypox virus, which has a range of symptoms, she added. 

The virus is most often spread by direct contact with someone who is sick, which can include fluids, skin contact or through clothing or bedding. 

Ultimately, it’s always good to practice sanitizing, social distancing and washing your hands regardless if it's Monkeypox or another illness, said Koliasla. 

“The measures that we used to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic, we saw how incredibly well they worked to prevent the spread of other respiratory or viral illnesses,” she said, adding the precautions helped slow the spread of influenza, stomach flus and other coughs and colds.  

“We have proof that it works really well,” but it depends on the community once again utilizing masking and other preventative measures to help curb the spread, she added. 

However, Monkeypox has been seen to also spread through sexual contact. Therefore, condom use, keeping track of your sexual partners, and keeping in mind other safe sex procedures are vital, she said. 

Symptoms of the virus can appear within five to 21 days and include fever “chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, exhaustion,” along with fevers or rashes, according to AHS. 

Seeking support 

Ultimately, knowing how the virus spreads and where to seek help is vital moving forward, said Koliaska. 

“This is relatively new and people may not be familiar, so certainly check out the Alberta Health Services website and call health link at 811... there is always their regular health care providers too.” 

For those eligible or at risk, connecting with health care providers as the vaccine rolls out is important. 

“We would really encourage people to reach out, get their questions answered if they believe that they're at high risk and or eligible for the Monkeypox vaccine.” 

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