Who's Most Likely to Get the Mpox Shot in U.S.?
December 13, 2024
The 2022 mpox outbreak highlighted disparities in vaccine access within the LGBTQ+ community. A Rutgers study found that 90.9% of LGBTQ+ men in New York and New Jersey either received or intended to get the Jynneos vaccine, with higher rates among employed and HIV-positive individuals due to better healthcare connectivity. However, access challenges persisted, with over half of participants finding vaccination appointments difficult to secure. As mpox vaccine effectiveness may decline over time, booster doses could become necessary. Addressing appointment accessibility and expanding outreach are essential to strengthening public health responses and ensuring equitable vaccine distribution across vulnerable communities.
The 2022 mpox outbreak underscored both successes and challenges in vaccine outreach within the LGBTQ+ community. A Rutgers University study surveyed 144 LGBTQ+ adults in New York and New Jersey, finding that 90.9% of men had either received the Jynneos mpox vaccine or planned to. Gay-identifying participants reported an even higher rate of 95.1%. Employment and healthcare access played critical roles—those with full-time jobs or HIV-positive status were likelier to get vaccinated due to stronger healthcare ties.
Despite these encouraging numbers, barriers remained. Over half of survey respondents described difficulty securing vaccination appointments. Common obstacles included limited availability, rapidly filled slots, and inconvenient scheduling during working hours. These findings align with anecdotal reports suggesting that even those eager to be vaccinated struggled due to appointment scarcity and logistical challenges.
Jynneos, originally designed for smallpox, proved effective against mpox despite dose rationing during the outbreak. A CDC study showed that unvaccinated individuals were 14 times more likely to contract mpox than those who received even one vaccine dose. However, vaccine-induced immunity may diminish over time, as research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates a decline in effectiveness within a year, prompting considerations for booster doses.
Looking ahead, ensuring accessible vaccination services and proactive booster campaigns will be essential to mitigate future outbreaks. Public health strategies should expand appointment availability, streamline vaccination processes, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations. By addressing these gaps, healthcare systems can better protect vulnerable populations while promoting equitable and sustainable health interventions.