Prioritization and barriers of mpox vaccination uptake among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Taiwan: 2023 HEART survey.

Abstract

During Taiwan's early 2023 mpox outbreak, limited vaccine availability required targeting mpox vaccine priority groups (MVPs) for effective control, including individuals with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, and those with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study examines whether Taiwan's prioritization efforts reached MVPs. In November-December 2023, we surveyed 1656 gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Taiwan via social media. Of respondents, 43 % were unvaccinated, 13 % had received one dose, and 44 % completed double doses. Receiving two doses was associated with living with HIV, having multiple sexual partners, and condomless anal sex (CAS) in the last three months. Receiving two doses were also associated with other preventive behaviors, including being on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and receiving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Despite Taiwan's free mpox vaccines efforts, uptake and completion challenges remain, highlighting the need for increased awareness and access among susceptible populations.