By Ethan Covey
When people are aware that their behavior puts them at risk, some will be motivated to receive mpox vaccination (Jynneos, Bavarian Nordic), according to a recent survey.
Studying the reasons why people receive mpox vaccination can help target efforts to specific populations and organize outreach efforts for future epidemics, according to a study presented at IDWeek 2024, held in Los Angeles (poster P-38).
“The mpox outbreak of 2022 demonstrated a large rise of clade II cases, and a global outbreak raised concerns over its potential spread,” said the lead author of the study, Maurice Marshall, DO, a fellow at Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University. “Vaccination against mpox is vital, as it helps to protect individuals and communities against the health consequences of the disease.”
To assess reasons for mpox vaccination other than HIV status, patients who underwent mpox vaccination at the Tolan Park Clinic, in Detroit, were surveyed regarding their motivations. A total of 167 surveys were completed during the study period.
The primary driver for vaccination, reported in 49% of the surveys, was being a man who had sex with men (MSM) with more than two sexual partners within the last year. Following that, 24% of survey respondents reported that they planned to attend a ball, sex party or bath house, which motivated them to be vaccinated. The third most commonly reported driver was being an MSM with a partner who was known to have had a sexually transmitted disease within the last year (14%).
“Targeting patients who are MSM with greater than two partners in the last year, those who attend balls or parties, or those with a history of STIs will provide the greatest use and allocation of vaccine efforts,” Dr. Marshall told Infectious Disease Special Edition.
Dr. Marshall and his colleagues reported no relevant financial disclosures.
