As Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) cases rise in Toronto, Maggie’s Toronto is working to keep sex workers in the know on the symptoms, testing and treatment options for the virus. This most recent resurgence of Mpox in Toronto, particularly in the downtown core, has raised serious concerns for those at higher risk. Specifically men who have sex with men, trans women and sex workers.
Why Sex Workers Should Get Vaccinated
Sex workers, regardless of gender or sexuality, are strongly encouraged by Toronto Public Health to get vaccinated against Mpox. The nature of your work may place you at increased risk, making vaccination critical to your health and safety. The risk of Mpox is not limited to people who are sexually active or gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men however. Anyone who has close contact with someone who has symptoms is at risk and any person with multiple sex partners is also at risk.
The Imvamune vaccine, administered in 2 doses approximately 28 days apart, is currently the best defense against the virus. Even if you’ve had a delay between doses, it’s not too late to get your second shot, which can help reduce your risk of (re)infection by up to 85%.
Addressing the Barriers to Vaccination
Unfortunately, the City’s response to this public health threat has thus far been lacking. Toronto Public Health has only set up 4 vaccination sites, with the closest one to our offices being found about half an hour away by public transport at Metro Hall (214 Wellington Street West). . Obtaining appointments has also been challenging. This lack of accessible vaccination sites and open appointment slots poses a significant barrier, particularly for sex workers who often operate in the downtown area.
Maggie’s is actively advocating for more accessible vaccination options, including pop-up clinics in the downtown core. In the meantime, we are offering free Mpox vaccines at our next monthly STBBI testing clinic for sex workers, run in partnership with Call Auntie and Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong on Thursday, September 19th from 2:30-4:30pm at 19 Holy Trinity Square. These clinics are designed to be accessible: no OHIP, ID, or legal name is required to receive the vaccine. All services are free.
The Importance of Completing the Vaccine Series
A recent survey by Maggie’s revealed that while many male-identified sex workers in Ontario and Quebec received their first dose of the vaccine, a significant portion did not obtain their 2nd dose.. It’s essential to get both doses for maximum protection. Two doses of the Imvamune vaccine provide the strongest defense against Mpox, reducing the risk of infection and severe illness. Mpox Overview: Signs and Symptoms
Mpox is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. It spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects like clothing or bedding.
Canadian health officials have raised concerns about a new strain of Mpox called ‘clade Ib’, which appears to cause more severe disease. The Public Health Agency of Canada says on its website that no cases of the new strain have been found in Canada yet, but it is continuing to monitor the situation. Toronto Public Health has said that thus far none of the confirmed cases in Toronto are clade Ib.
Signs and Symptoms
Mpox symptoms typically appear within 3 to 21 days after exposure and can last for 2 to 4 weeks. The key symptoms to watch for include:
Fever: Sometimes one of the first symptoms to appear, along with chills,swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, fatigue and head/muscle aches However, not everyone experiences these symptoms.
Rash: A distinctive rash, it often develops around the site of infection(such as around the mouth, genitals, and/or butt) and then can spread to other parts of the body.It typically begins as flat red spots that turn into raised bumps, then blisters, and finally scabs.
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you’ve been in close contact with someone who may have Mpox or belong to a higher-risk group, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly and isolate (even from pets), and track your symptoms. Early detection and vaccination are key to managing the virus and preventing its spread. Mpox may still be passed on even if you have mild symptoms or in the few days before you notice symptoms.
Who Is At Risk For Severe Mpox Symptoms?
Anyone can develop severe Mpox symptoms, however a mild reaction to the virus is currently most common. Newborns, young children, pregnant people, people with active skin conditions, or people with weakened immune systems are more at risk for a severe reaction. People living with undiagnosed or untreated HIV are also more likely to have severe symptoms. People with HIV that is treated/undetectable are not likely to have a severe reaction.
Stay Informed and Take Action:
Mpox is a serious concern, and the situation is changing rapidly. It’s important to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect yourself. Follow Maggie’s on our social media channels, as well as those of our partners at the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH) and Toronto Public Health, for the latest updates on vaccine availability and public health advice. If you have any questions about Mpox or need assistance accessing the vaccine, please contact Jenna at jenna@maggiesto.org or Michael at michael@maggiesto.org.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. Don’t wait—get vaccinated today and help us safeguard our community!