Halton Region Public Health: Office of the Medical Officer of Health
Quick facts
- Since mid-January 2024, there has been a spike in the number of mpox cases in Ontario. Between January 1 and July 17, 2024, a total of 95 confirmed cases have been reported, up from only 33 confirmed cases in all of 2023.
- There is an ongoing outbreak spanning multiple countries in Africa, which was declared a public health emergency by the Africa CDC on August 13, 2024. On August 14, 2024, the WHO declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
- Although rates in Halton remain low, we strongly recommend that clinicians remain vigilant for new infections. Immunization against mpox is available through primary care providers and at Halton public health clinics.
- The mpox (Imvamune®) vaccine can now be ordered for pre-exposure prophylaxis using the High-Risk Vaccine Form (PDF file) and faxing it to 905-465-3403. If your facility has not ordered other vaccines within the same cycle, please include a temperature log with the 30 most recent days. Orders will be fulfilled based on the current Vaccine Distribution Schedule.
Key messages for healthcare providers
- Encourage vaccination among eligible patients (external link) with the full two-dose series of Imvamune®.
- Keep mpox on the differential diagnosis. Maintain a high index of suspicion and low threshold to test for mpox in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men with compatible signs and symptoms (external link). Be sure to assess travel history.
- Refer to PHO’s Monkeypox Virus Test Information Sheet (external link) for up-to-date information on who to test, sample collection and submission.
- Consider providing STI and HIV screening to anyone suspected of having acquired mpox through sexual contact.
- Consider Tecovirmat (TPoxx®) Antiviral medication for patients at high risk for severe disease, following the latest Ministry of Health protocols.
- Report all suspected and confirmed mpox cases immediately to Halton Region Public Health at 905-825- 6000 (or toll-free at 1-866-442-5866) or dial 311 if calling within Halton Region.
- Continue to follow infection control practices as per Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Mpox in Health Care Settings (external PDF).
Invamune® vaccine
- The mpox (Imvamune®) vaccine can now be ordered for pre-exposure prophylaxis using the High-Risk Vaccine Form (PDF file) and faxing it to 905-465-3403. If your facility has not ordered other vaccines within the same cycle, please include a temperature log with the 30 most recent days. Orders will be fulfilled based on the current Vaccine Distribution Schedule.
- The Imvamune® vaccine will be delivered refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C and can remain in refrigeration until the use-by date and time labelled on each vial. This is different than the vaccine expiry.
- Imvamune® vaccine for post-exposure vaccination requires an assessment of the risk of exposure by Halton Region Public Health.
Key messages for patients
- Halton Region Public Health Sexual Health Clinic is offering the Imvamune® vaccine for pre-exposure vaccination by appointment only to individuals who meet Ontario’s current eligibility criteria (external link). Eligible individuals can book an appointment online; no OHIP card or ID is required. Imvamune® can also be administered by your primary care provider.
- Travel is not currently an indication for the Imvamune® vaccine unless you are an individual who meets Ontario’s current eligibility criteria