Mpox vaccination uptake in a UK community sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) the year following the 2022 Clade IIb mpox outbreak

Abstract

Mpox is an infectious disease transmitted through close contact. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is endemic to some countries of West and Central Africa. A multi-country outbreak of mpox occurred in 2022, and the UK experienced rapid community transmission associated with sexual contact, mainly, but not exclusively among networks of GBMSM. In response to the outbreak in the UK, a reactive mpox vaccination programme was targeted to those most at risk. We explore the uptake and course completion of mpox vaccination in GBMSM taking part in an online survey in 2023. Findings from this community sample indicate vaccination uptake in around two-thirds of participants meeting mpox proxy eligibility criteria with high levels of course completion among all and eligible participants that were ever vaccinated. Vaccine non-offer was a barrier to uptake, as nearly a third of those eligible but unvaccinated reported never having received an mpox vaccine offer. Continued targeting of vaccination to GBMSM at highest risk of mpox at SHS, with community-support, will help facilitate equitable uptake of vaccination.