(PL37) UNITY IN IMMUNITY: COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES IN ENHANCING MPOX VACCINE CONFIDENCE AND UPTAKE AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV (PLWH) IN THE UNITED STATES SEPTEMBER 2023-MAY 2024.

Background:
Gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) were disproportionately impacted by the 2022 mpox outbreak in the United States (U.S.) and are also at greater risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In late 2023, CDC Foundation awarded funds to 44 community-based organizations (CBOs), 30 working with people living with HIV (PLWH). We examined mixed methods reporting from CBOs to investigate strategies used and barriers faced in enhancing mpox vaccine confidence and uptake to increase community immunity against mpox.

Methods:
CBOs were awarded up to $100,000 during an 8-month implementation period (September, 2023- May, 2024) to contribute to program goals of 1) increased availability of accurate information about the safety and effectiveness of the mpox vaccine and 2) increased mpox vaccine confidence, access, and uptake among groups at greatest risk for mpox. To evaluate progress towards goals and document implementation approaches and barriers, CBOs completed mid-project (January 2024) and final (May 2024) mixed-methods surveys. Quantitative data were cleaned and analyzed to generate descriptive statistics while qualitative data were coded using both inductive and deductive codes and thematically analyzed by a single analyst.

Results:
Analysis of engagement strategies and corresponding accomplishments from the 30 CBOs engaging PLWH indicated that integration of mpox programs and messaging into regular STI prevention, outreach and treatment efforts was an effective manner to promote mpox vaccination amongst PLWH, with 3,449 mpox vaccine doses administered during the project period. CBOs also credited project successes to their ability to provide holistic care, leveraging established trust with community members to address structural and attitudinal barriers to vaccination.

Conclusion:
CBOs’ engagement strategies, including integration of vaccine promotion into regular STI education and outreach, were effective in preventing mpox resurgence among PLWH. These approaches show promise for prevention and control of other syndemics, including HIV and STIs, which disproportionately impact GBMSM.