Experts say remain vigilant as mass mpox vaccination clinic wraps up in Halifax

Even though Nova Scotia has had only one confirmed mpox case, experts are still advising those at risk to get vaccinated and remain vigilant.

Wednesday was the last day to attend a mass mpox immunization clinic in Nova Scotia’s capital city, but the Halifax Sexual Health Centre is still taking appointments for those who need it.

Although Nova Scotia has only had one confirmed mpox case, those at the clinic are still advising people who are at risk to get the shot.

Halifax Sexual Health Centre executive director Abbey Ferguson said the clinic is prepared to have more vaccines available as more appointments get booked. She said the centre has large refrigerators where they can be stored.

The Department of Health and Wellness and the Nova Scotia Health Authority have been working closely with HSHC and other clinics to aid with similar vaccination clinics.

“I think it really demonstrates that as a community clinic, we hold a lot of power and trust in the community and being able to deliver something like this,” Ferguson said. “I really appreciate the province giving us the opportunity to demonstrate that.”

When the outbreak began last year, those in the LGBTQ2 were described as being the most at risk. But Dr. Jesse Kancir, the regional medical officer of health for the province’s eastern zone, wants people to understand that anyone can get infected.

“Even though it is something that appears to be in that social network, anybody can get mpox,” he said. “So I think we really owe a lot of credit to the communities at risk who showed up for vaccination.”

He noted that while mpox is getting less attention than it did a few months ago, the disease is still considered to be a global public health emergency.