New CDC MMWR Articles: Increasing Equity in Monkeypox Vaccine Distribution
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Last Friday, CDC published three new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) reports on recent developments in monkeypox vaccination in the U.S.:
- Receipt of First and Second Doses of JYNNEOS Vaccine for Prevention of Monkeypox — United States, May 22–October 10, 2022
- Characteristics of JYNNEOS Vaccine Recipients Before and During a Large Multiday LGBTQIA+ Festival — Louisiana, August 9–September 5, 2022
- A Health Equity Approach for Implementation of JYNNEOS Vaccination at Large, Community-Based LGBTQIA+ Events — Georgia, August 27–September 5, 2022
The first report shows that progress has been made in increasing the proportion of Black and Hispanic persons vaccinated against monkeypox virus in the U.S. According to the report, by October 10, 2022, 931,155 JYNNEOS vaccine doses were administered in the United States. Among persons who received ≥1 vaccine dose, 51.4% were non-Hispanic White, 12.6% were non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black), and 22.5% were Hispanic persons. The percentages of vaccine recipients who were Black (5.6%) and Hispanic (15.5%) during May 22–June 25 increased to 13.3% and 22.7%, respectively, during July 31–October 10. The Importance of Community Vaccination Events The other reports detail how community vaccination events can help make access to vaccines easier for people most affected by monkeypox. This summer’s Southern Decadence event in Louisiana and the Atlanta Black Gay Pride Festival in Georgia are highlighted. Both events provided the opportunity to increase access to monkeypox vaccination among populations disproportionally affected by the monkeypox outbreak. Community engagement, targeted messaging, and selection of venues catering primarily to racial and ethnic minorities for community vaccination events improved vaccine equity and reduced health disparities. For the latest information on monkeypox in the U.S., visit CDC.gov.