Vancouver Coastal Health urges mpox vaccinations amid recent increase in cases
April 9, 2025
Vancouver Coastal Health is urging men who have sex with men to ensure they are fully vaccinated against mpox, following a rise in cases. Nineteen infections have been reported in the region in 2025, most involving individuals who were unvaccinated or had only one vaccine dose. Officials emphasize that mpox, a virus related to smallpox, continues to circulate and spreads primarily through close personal contact. Less than half of eligible individuals have received both doses of the vaccine. With symptoms ranging from fever to painful rashes, health advocates stress the importance of awareness, community dialogue, and completing the two-dose series.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has issued a renewed call for mpox vaccination amid a rise in cases predominantly affecting men who have sex with men. Nineteen cases have been reported so far in 2025 within the VCH region, which consistently records the majority of British Columbia’s mpox infections. Officials note that most recent infections involve individuals who were either unvaccinated or had received only one of the two recommended doses of the Jynneos vaccine.
Mpox, a viral illness in the same family as smallpox, causes symptoms such as painful rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory issues. The virus gained international attention in 2022 during a global outbreak largely affecting gay and bisexual men, where it was observed to be primarily spread through sexual contact.
Dr. Rohit Vijh of VCH emphasized that less than half of those who began the vaccination series in 2022 have completed both doses, leaving many still vulnerable. The health authority urges eligible individuals—including those with multiple partners, those involved in public or community sex, and those engaged in the sex industry—to seek full vaccination as a protective measure.
Health Initiative for Men Society (HIM) executive director Aaron Purdie echoed the call, noting that mpox tends to spread in densely populated urban areas like Vancouver, where many in the LGBTQ+ community live. Purdie stressed the importance of proactive communication about sexual health, reminding the public that mpox can be transmitted even by asymptomatic individuals.
While case numbers remain lower than the peak in 2022, the current uptick signals the importance of maintaining vigilance. Public health experts urge full vaccine coverage, awareness of symptoms, and open dialogue as key tools in preventing another large-scale outbreak, especially in urban centers with vulnerable populations.