Preventing Mpox Resurgence

The Issue: 

While the mpox outbreak has slowed, there is a continued risk of resurgence, especially without a focus on prevention efforts and vaccination with the JYNNEOS vaccine. Further, the 2022 outbreak showed that certain populations are affected by mpox more than others, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and more) individuals. 

Solution and Impact: 

In September 2023, the CDC Foundation, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced $5 million in support to 44 community-based organizations (CBOs) working to increase vaccine confidence, access and acceptance among those most affected by mpox. These organizations are trusted local resources and understand the historic and ongoing discrimination, inequities and stigma their community members face, especially around healthcare issues. CBOs communicate information about mpox prevention in clear, accurate and relevant ways, ensuring more people have the resources they need to make informed decisions about vaccination. 

To help prevent a renewed mpox outbreak, CBOs have worked towards:

• Increasing availability of accurate information about the safety and effectiveness of the mpox vaccine delivered in innovative and culturally appropriate ways.
• Increasing mpox vaccine confidence, access and uptake in at-risk communities, including MSM, trans, HIV+ and LGBTQ+ individuals/communities as well as in Black and Hispanic communities