Eastern Health is responding to concerns raised about an apparent delay in the administration of the monkeypox vaccine.

Eligible patients who reached out for a vaccine appointment have yet to receive a response according to NDP MHA Jim Dinn.

Eastern Health says those who meet the eligibility criteria are asked to contact a local public health office to request an appointment.

The health authority says the first in a series of weekly vaccine clinics is set for Friday, September 1st in St. John’s. They say clinics will be held in various locations according to demand, availability of public health personnel and vaccine supply.

People can also be accommodated on other days or at other community sites on a case-by-case basis.

Meanwhile, a new Narrative Research poll suggests just over half of those asked are concerned about the emergence of the monkeypox virus.

Newfoundland and Labrador confirmed two probable cases of monkeypox in late July, but those have still not been confirmed as positive.

The poll, conducted between August 2-4, found that three in 10 people asked were not concerned with the situation.

The poll also found that men were more likely to be unconcerned while younger Canadians were more likely to be extremely concerned compared to older residents.

https://narrativeresearch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Press-Release-Monkeypox-Wave-28-FINAL.pdf