Mpox has affected many communities in the United States (U.S.), including people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Mpox vaccination has been an important tool to disrupt transmission and protect communities at risk of infection. To better understand mpox vaccine knowledge and attitudes, we surveyed 273 PEH and people accessing homeless service sites in San Francisco. Among 64 participants previously offered mpox vaccination, 38 (59 %) had received the vaccine. Among 209 participants not previously offered mpox vaccination, 108 (52 %) reported they would receive the vaccine. Vaccine acceptance was higher among transgender female participants and among male participants who reported male sex partner preference (MSM). Half of participants who declined vaccination identified that perception of personal risk and vaccine education may increase their likelihood of receiving an mpox vaccine. Leveraging trusted information sources to provide risk communication and vaccine education may increase vaccine uptake among PEH.
Keywords: Mpox; Mpox vaccination; People experiencing homelessness; Vaccine Hesitancy.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.