Pre-exposure mpox vaccination campaigns aimed at GBTMSM+ and sex work communities: What worked in 2022 and what can we learn to strengthen future targeted vaccination campaigns to stigmatized communities in infodemic times?

In 2022, Canada was among many countries to experience unexpected mpox outbreaks, primarily in communities of men who have sex with men (MSM+ communities). Since the smallpox vaccine can prevent mpox, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended vaccination for those identified as at highest risk of mpox: MSM+ (including trans, Two Spirit, and non-binary individuals who identify as gay/bisexual/pansexual) or sex workers with multiple sexual contacts or other risk factors. This study aims to assess targeted vaccination campaigns against mpox in 2 Canadian provinces (QC, BC) that have substantial cultural, geographic, and linguistic differences and experienced slightly different disease epidemiology, yet together account for approximately half of all Canadian mpox cases. Specific objectives are to: 1) Assess perceptions of the disease and vaccine among populations recommended to receive preventive vaccination, as well as healthcare providers and community workers who serve these groups; 2) Examine drivers of mpox vaccination decisions and experiences; 3) Describe public health strategies and interventions that were implemented to enhance vaccine acceptance and uptake. Data will be collected through interviews and document collection, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. We will conduct interviews with members of communities recommended for preventive vaccination and with workers who participated in vaccination campaigns. An environmental scan looking at how, when and where campaigns took place, the communication and information tools used, and the modes of delivery will be conducted through document analysis. This assessment of targeted mpox vaccination campaigns will inform future efforts to tailor and deliver accurate information, and combat misinformation, about vaccination and other preventive health measures to MSM+, GLBTQTSIA+, sex workers, with potential implications for communication with other stigmatized groups.