For Immediate Release
25 August, 2022
NL NDP Leader and MHA for St. John’s Centre Jim Dinn is concerned over cases of queer men in Newfoundland and Labrador who were put on a call list the day vaccine distribution was announced, but have yet to be booked for a vaccine. On July 23rd the World Health Organization declared the Monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
“Last week public health announced distribution of this vaccine and some eligible patients who reached out have been put on a waitlist with no follow up as to when they will actually receive this vaccine, others have reached out to their local clinic who had no information about the rollout” said Dinn. “It is concerning that other provinces have already offered clinics to communities that are at greatest risk and today it appears as though our province made delayed announcement in haste without the supports and resources to follow through.”
The NL NDP is calling on government to be transparent and proactive as to the availability of the vaccine that protects against Monkeypox, and encourages men who have sex with men and others at risk of exposure to take precautions outlined by Health Canada
“We are still in peak tourism season, and are expecting an influx of students to university and college campuses in a few short weeks, this government needs to take this seriously and get vaccines distributed to those at greatest risk and secure a supply for second dose and continued vaccination,” said Dinn. “If you are at a greater risk of exposure to Monkeypox, particularly men who have sex with men, sex workers, and those with multiple sexual partners, we encourage you to reach out to your public health authority to be screened and put on a distribution list. As well we encourage following guidelines from Health Canada.”
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca