Mpox Vaccine Communication Among Sexually Active Men Who Have Sex With Men

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• The 2022 mpox outbreak disproportionately affected men who have sex with men (MSM).
• Understanding vaccine communication and its impact on sexual behavior is crucial for outbreak control.
• Limited data exists on mpox vaccine communication strategies and their association with sexual practices among MSM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess mpox vaccine communication and its relationship with sexual behaviors among US MSM during the 2022 mpox outbreak.
• To identify factors associated with mpox vaccine communication within this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of US men who have sex with men during the 2022 mpox outbreak.
• Assessed mpox vaccine communication, including inquiries about partners' vaccination status.
• Examined associations between vaccine communication and sexual behaviors such as condomless anal sex and group sex.

Main Results:

• Less than 40% of respondents inquired about a new male sex partner's mpox vaccination status.
• Mpox vaccine communication showed a positive association with engaging in condomless anal sex.
• Mpox vaccine communication was also positively associated with participating in group sex.

Conclusions:

• Mpox vaccine communication remains low among MSM, despite the ongoing outbreak.
• Low vaccine communication may influence risk perception and sexual behaviors.
• Interventions to improve mpox vaccine communication are needed to potentially mitigate transmission and inform sexual health practices among MSM.