Thread by @KristopherWells

Monkeypox is an international public health emergency. Yet, no planned response from the Alberta government. Why?

What we know:
- Currently, 99% of the Monkeypox cases are occurring in the gay, bi and MSM community.

- Vaccines are over 85% effective

- Monkeypox is not a “gay disease”

- Monkeypox is not an STI

- Anyone can get Monkeypox; it is mostly transmitted through close personal and intimate contact

- Monkeypox is not known to be life threatening but about 10% of people infected require hospitalization, which adds strain to an already overburdened health care system

- Isolation and contract tracing are important but not enough to stop the outbreak

What should we do in Alberta?

- Start a proactive vaccination campaign focused on the most impacted populations

- Make vaccines free and available at pharmacies and within community gathering places (like Pride events and community centers)

- Focus on prevention (Work with communities to provide targeted health information/education)

- Make testing easily accessible (not at STI clinics)

- Reduce stigma and combat stereotypes & misinformation

- Trust science and make sound evidence based decisions
#abhealth

Adding to this thread. All of the above recommendations still apply.

Vaccines are available now in Alberta for eligible populations who are over 18. Call Health Link at 1-866-301-2668 to book an appointment in Edmonton or Calgary.

alberta.ca/release.cfm?xI…