MPOX TRACKER

During the 2022 Mpox outbreak, a Rutgers Health survey highlighted significant vaccination uptake within the LGBTQ+ community in New York and New Jersey, particularly among cisgender men, gay-identified individuals, and full-time employees. The study, published in the Journal of Community Health, reported that 90.9% of cisgender men and 95.1% of gay-identified participants either received or intended to get vaccinated, reflecting the effectiveness of a targeted vaccination campaign focused on high-risk groups.

However, barriers to vaccine access persisted. More than half of survey respondents reported moderate to severe difficulty securing appointments due to limited availability, rapidly filled slots, and vaccinations offered primarily during working hours. This underscored the critical need for broader outreach and more flexible vaccination schedules.

Despite supply challenges, the U.S. adopted a dose-sparing strategy using the smallpox vaccine Jynneos, administering smaller doses intradermally to stretch limited supplies. While this approach raised concerns about efficacy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that unvaccinated individuals were 14 times more likely to contract Mpox, suggesting the strategy was largely effective.

Looking forward, questions about long-term immunity remain. Rutgers researchers emphasized the importance of investigating how durable vaccine-induced immunity is, especially as Mpox cases rise globally. Understanding whether individuals vaccinated in 2022 still retain protection could guide booster shot recommendations and future vaccination strategies.

Addressing accessibility gaps, ensuring vaccine availability, and conducting further research are vital steps to containing future Mpox outbreaks while promoting equitable healthcare access for vulnerable communities.