Mpox Diagnosis, Behavioral Risk Modification, and Vaccination Uptake among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, United Kingdom, 2022

Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Apr 4;30(5). doi: 10.3201/eid3005.230676. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDuring the 2022 multicountry mpox outbreak, the United Kingdom identified cases beginning in May. UK cases increased in June, peaked in July, then rapidly declined after September 2022. Public health responses included community-supported messaging and targeted mpox vaccination among eligible gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Using data from an online survey of GBMSM during November-December 2022, we examined self-reported mpox diagnoses, behavioral risk modification, and mpox vaccination offer and uptake. Among 1,333 participants, only 35 (2.6%) ever tested mpox-positive, but 707 (53%) reported behavior modification to avoid mpox. Among vaccine-eligible GBMSM, uptake was 69% (95% CI 65%-72%; 601/875) and was 92% (95% CI 89%-94%; 601/655) among those offered vaccine. GBMSM self-identifying as bisexual, reporting lower educational qualifications, or identifying as unemployed were less likely to be vaccinated. Equitable offer and provision of mpox vaccine are needed to minimize the risk for future outbreaks and mpox-related health inequalities.PMID:38573160 | DOI:10.3201/eid3005.230676

Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases - April 4, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Dana Ogaz Qudsia Enayat Jack R G Brown Dawn Phillips Ruth Wilkie Danielle Jayes David Reid Gwenda Hughes Catherine H Mercer John Saunders Hamish Mohammed UK Health Security Agency Sexual Health Liaison Group1 Source Type: research