2nd mpox vaccine dose still needed by Canadians at risk: public health – CBC

A second dose of mpox vaccine offers strongest immunity, Canada’s top public health doctor says

Sep 06, 2024

Public health agencies are encouraging people who received a first dose of mpox vaccine over the last two years to make sure they get a second dose.

Many people at risk for mpox exposure got vaccinated in Canada beginning in spring 2022, when a global outbreak of the virus was declared, Canada’s chief public health officer said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press.

But a lot of them never got a second dose, which is recommended at least 28 days after the first shot.

“Please get that second dose in order to have the strongest immunity,” said Dr. Theresa Tam.

The number of mpox cases dropped in 2023 but appear to be on the rise again in parts of Canada. As of Aug. 24, there have been 166 confirmed cases in Ontario this year, compared to only 33 cases last year, according to data posted online by Public Health Ontario.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/mpox-vaccine-canadian-cities-1.7315278