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The Alberta government is expanding the eligibility criteria for a monkeypox vaccine.

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Beginning Thursday, Albertans 18 and older who “self-identify as meeting the eligibility criteria for targeted prevention prior to an exposure” can begin booking immunization appointments, government officials said in a news release. Doses will be given out starting the next day. The news comes the same day CBC reported some gay and bisexual Alberta men had been travelling to other provinces in order to receive shots. Those eligible in Alberta now include: • Transgender, cisgender or two-spirit individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community, and who meet at least one of the following criteria: • Have received a recent (in the last six months) diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection.

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• Are planning to have, or in the past 90 days had, sex outside of a mutually monogamous relationship. • Have attended venues for sexual contact within the past 90 days (e.g., bath houses, sex clubs) or may be planning to, or who work/volunteer in these settings • Any sexual contacts of the individuals described above • Staff and volunteers in a social setting or venue or event where sexual activities between men (individuals described above) may take place. “With the elevated risk of contracting the monkeypox virus in some segments of the population, every effort should be made to prevent it from spreading, including getting vaccinated if eligible,” Health Minister Jason Copping said in the news release. “Anyone experiencing symptoms, such as fever, swollen glands, sores or a rash, is reminded to self-isolate and get the necessary care from a health-care provider.”

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Until now, Alberta was only offering the vaccine to to close contacts of a confirmed monkeypox case after exposure. Because of a limited supply, vaccines are only available in Edmonton and Calgary where all 13 of the province’s confirmed cases have been located. As more vaccine becomes available “over the coming weeks” that will be expanded to other places across Alberta, the government said. Since July 13, Alberta has received 1,200 doses. “Alberta is working with the federal government to secure more doses of the vaccine. The federal government will release additional doses from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS) based on usage,” Ministry of Health spokesman Mark Feldbusch said in an email. Anyone who is eligible and interested in receiving the monkeypox vaccine must call Health Link at 1-866-301-2668 to book an appointment. On Twitter, NDP critic for the status of women Janis Irwin said she was frustrated it took the government so long to act but glad officials were doing the right thing.

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