Movement Towards Equitable and Sustainable Vaccination Against MPox

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The first case associated with the mpox outbreak in Los Angeles County (LAC) was confirmed in May 2022. Similar to other diseases, the outbreak disproportionally affected people of color and communities with fewer health affirming resources. Most mpox cases were in individuals who identified as Latino/x or Black/African American; however individuals in these groups were receiving the vaccine at a lower rate than their White and Asian counterparts. Identifying vaccine disparities and ensuring equitable vaccine access for residents at highest risk for mpox has been a key strategy of the County’s mpox vaccination efforts. Key strategies have leveraged existing partnerships with community health clinics and community-based organizations to raise mpox awareness, promote vaccine utilization among affected community members, and facilitate vaccine access. Community-driven partnerships with vaccine providers across public and private health care providers, mobile vaccine clinics that bring vaccine to the community, and novel communications tools, are needed to respond effectively and equitably to an outbreak.