By Ethan Covey
Some states had significantly lower rates of mpox vaccination during the 2022-2023 outbreak, according to a recently released report.
Overall, mpox vaccination varied greatly among states, and those who leaned Democratic in the 2020 presidential election had higher rates of public health funding, a higher proportion of at-risk individuals and greater numbers of mpox cases (Open Forum Infect Dis 2024;11[10]:ofae567).
“Equitable access to disease-preventing vaccines, particularly in an outbreak setting, is of critical importance,” the study authors wrote.
State-level CDC data about mpox vaccination through Nov. 28, 2023, were analyzed, with complete vaccination defined as an individual having received two doses of the Jynneos mpox vaccine (Bavarian Nordic). The political orientation of a state was based on the result of the 2020 presidential election.
Across all states, mpox vaccine coverage among at-risk people was 21%. Coverage was the highest in the District of Columbia (68%) and lowest in West Virginia (5%). However, Republican states had a 13.4% lower rate of vaccine coverage compared with Democratic states.
The study authors noted that stigma, vaccine hesitancy and differences in vaccine availability were likely causes of the variation.
“Our work highlights an important area for improvement: delivering equitable preventive care during a smaller outbreak affecting a stigmatized population,” they wrote. “Our work is particularly relevant for public health, nongovernmental and community organizations in Republican states to be aware of this potential problem, and act early and assertively to advocate for vaccination opportunities for sexual minority men.”
The sources reported no relevant financial disclosures.
