Mobile Mpox Vaccination in New York City Provided Flexible Community-Responsive Vaccine Access During the 2022 Global Mpox Emergency.

Background: In May 2022, mpox (formerly monkeypox) began spreading globally through LGBTQ+ sexual networks. By August 2022, New York City (NYC) became the global epicenter of the mpox outbreak, with the highest number of cases reported in the United States. Here, we quantify the mpox vaccination effort, focusing on flexible and community-responsive mobile vaccination.

Methods: We describe an on-site mpox vaccination strategy at commercial sex venues, nightlife venues, and pride and health centers, during August 1-November 15, 2022. Data were collected on doses, demographics, and event size to determine and evaluate vaccine uptake.

Results: The on-site vaccination strategy resulted in 3358 JYNNEOS doses administered at 363 events at 58 locations, including 22 events at 2 commercial sex venues. Commercial sex venues in New York City closed at the height of the mpox epidemic. We show high uptake of the JYNNEOS vaccine at commercial sex venues, with as many as 60% of attendees of 1 event receiving a JYNNEOS vaccine dose on site. This was possible after New York City health agencies responded to community demand for second doses. Messaging about the importance and availability of vaccination at these parties was community-led. JYNNEOS vaccination via mobile clinics demonstrated less racial and geographic disparity compared with nonmobile vaccinations. We show no increase in mpox cases as commercial sex venues reopened with vaccination on site.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate the success of a community-led rapid response to an emergent mpox outbreak, including at places where people meet for sex.