Mpox Vaccine — Mississauga
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. In 2024, the WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time, driven by a new, more transmissible subclade (clade Ib) spreading in Central and East Africa. Imvamune (MVA-BN) is Canada’s approved mpox vaccine. It also provides cross-protection against smallpox. Available at our Mississauga travel clinic.
Who Should Get the Mpox Vaccine?
Travelers to Central Africa (DRC, Republic of Congo, Cameroon) or East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya) where clade I mpox is active
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) with multiple or new sexual partners
Close contacts of a confirmed mpox case (post-exposure prophylaxis within 4 days of exposure)
Healthcare workers and laboratory personnel with occupational exposure risk to mpox or orthopoxviruses
Humanitarian aid workers, NGO staff, and researchers deploying to high-burden regions in Africa
About Imvamune (Mpox Vaccine)
Vaccine Profile
- • Brand: Imvamune (also known as Jynneos in the US)
- • Type: Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA-BN) — non-replicating, non-live
- • Route: Subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
- • Dosing: 2 doses, 28 days apart
- • Efficacy: ~85% against mpox; also confers smallpox protection
- • Safe for: Immunocompromised individuals, people with HIV, atopic dermatitis (unlike older smallpox vaccines)
- • Approved by: Health Canada; PHAC guidance updated 2024
About Mpox
- • Caused by the monkeypox virus (an orthopoxvirus related to smallpox)
- • Symptoms: fever, swollen lymph nodes, distinctive skin rash progressing to pustular lesions
- • Spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated materials
- • Clade Ib (DRC): higher transmissibility, more severe outcomes; WHO PHEIC declared August 2024
- • Illness typically lasts 2–4 weeks; complications can include secondary infections and eye involvement
Pricing & Coverage
| Imvamune (Mpox Vaccine) — per dose | Private pay — call for pricing |
| Travel health consultation (includes vaccine assessment) | Included |
Imvamune is not covered by OHIP for travel indications. Ontario public health provides Imvamune at no cost to eligible individuals through provincial mpox immunization programs. Call us at (905) 890-2757 to confirm current eligibility and pricing. Private health insurance may cover travel vaccines — we provide official receipts for all vaccinations.
Destinations With Elevated Mpox Risk
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) has been declared a global health emergency. Risk is highest in parts of Central and West Africa. Discuss vaccination with our physician if you are travelling to affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get the mpox vaccine?
PHAC recommends Imvamune for individuals at higher risk of mpox exposure, including: travelers to Central or East Africa (particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries) where mpox clade I circulates; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) with multiple or anonymous partners; people with recent or anticipated exposure to a confirmed mpox case; and laboratory or healthcare workers with occupational risk. Speak with our physician to determine if Imvamune is appropriate for your situation.
How many doses of the mpox vaccine are needed?
The standard Imvamune schedule is two doses given 28 days apart. Both doses are required for full protection. A single dose provides partial protection and may be appropriate in outbreak settings or when time before travel is limited — discuss timing with our physician. Protection is estimated to begin developing approximately 2 weeks after the first dose, with full protection established after the second dose.
Is the mpox vaccine covered by OHIP?
OHIP does not cover Imvamune for travel purposes. Ontario public health provides Imvamune at no charge to eligible individuals under its mpox immunization program (e.g., gbMSM meeting specific criteria). For travelers whose indication is travel-related risk rather than a provincial public health indication, the vaccine is private pay. Contact us to confirm current eligibility and pricing.
What is the difference between clade I and clade II mpox?
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is caused by the monkeypox virus, which has two main genetic clades. Clade II (previously West African clade) caused the 2022 global outbreak and is associated with a case fatality rate of under 1% in high-income countries. Clade I (formerly Congo Basin clade), circulating primarily in Central Africa especially the DRC, is associated with higher severity and a higher case fatality rate (historically 1–10%). The WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2024 due to the spread of a new subclade (clade Ib) in East Africa. Imvamune provides protection against both clades as well as smallpox.
Book Your Mpox Vaccination
Start your two-dose Imvamune series at least 4–6 weeks before travel to Africa.
Call (905) 890-2757Other Travel Vaccines
Disclaimer: Vaccine requirements and health recommendations vary by itinerary, medical history, and current health advisories. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a personalized travel health consultation. Please book an appointment with our physician for advice specific to your trip.