Back to SearchNORTH BAY, ON - The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has received a very limited number of monkeypox PrEP vaccine doses. PrEP is a vaccine that is administered prior to contact with the virus. Due to low supply, appointments for the monkeypox vaccine for eligible individuals will be booked on a first come first served basis, as per the instructions below.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022
Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
How: Eligible individuals will call 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5252 and leave a message on the answering service. Do not come into the Health Unit.
Voicemails left between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. will be returned on Aug. 10 to screen for eligibility, book the appointment on a later date, or let the individual know all appointments have been booked. Calls received before 9 a.m. or after 10 a.m. will not be returned.
"We recognize the issues with such limited access to the monkeypox PrEP vaccines and regret that offering an equitable booking approach is difficult to do at this time," explains Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Public Health Physician at the Health Unit. "We continue to work with the province to advocate for additional supply, but understandably, with no evidence of transmission of monkeypox locally, we expect most of the vaccine to continue to go to public health districts with more monkeypox cases. Should we receive additional vaccine we will make the public aware."
Consider the description below before calling. The intake team will review eligibility when responding to voicemails.
Monkeypox is a rare disease not common in North America. It spreads through close contact with a person infected with the virus, or their clothing or linens. Monkeypox can enter the body through skin-to-skin contact with body fluids (for example, saliva, lesions, blisters, or rashes) and through mucus membranes or respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact (for example, breathing, talking, and coughing). Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, age, or gender can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or by sharing contaminated items.
For more information on monkeypox and its symptoms visit myhealthunit.ca/monkeypox. If you believe you may have monkeypox, please call the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229.
-30-
Media Inquiries:
Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca
SubscribeContact Us