Mpox Diagnosis, Behavioral Risk Modification, and Vaccination Uptake among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, United Kingdom, 2022

During the 2022 multicountry mpox outbreak, the United Kingdom identified cases beginning in May. UK cases after September 2022. Public health responses included community-supported messaging and targeted mpox vaccination among eligible gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Using data from an online survey of GBMSM during November-December 2022, we examined self-reported mpox diagnoses, behavioral risk modification, and mpox vaccination offer and uptake. Among 1,333 participants, only 35 (2.6%) ever tested mpox-positive, but 707 (53%) reported behavior modifica- tion to avoid mpox. Among vaccine -eligible GBMSM, up- take was 69% (95% CI 65%-72%; 601/875) , was 92% (95% CI 89%-94%; 601/655) among those offered vac- cine. GBMSM self -identifying as bisexual, reporting lower educational qualifications, or identifying as unemployed were less likely to be vaccinated. Equitable offer and pro- vision of mpox vaccine are needed to minimize the risk for future outbreaks and mpox-related health inequalities.