North Bay health unit receives small supply of monkeypox vaccines
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says it has received a small number of monkeypox vaccine doses.
In a news release Tuesday, the health unit said their supply is so limited, appointments will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Anyone eligible to receive the dose can call 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252, and leave a message on the answering service between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Aug. 10
"Do not come into the health unit," the release said.
"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, the health unit added.
“We recognize the issues with such limited access … and regret that offering an equitable booking approach is difficult to do at this time,” Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, public health physician at the health unit, is quoted as saying in the release.
“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.”
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE DISEASE:
- 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 or rashes) and through mucus membranes or respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
- 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, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.