Background: In January 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Rhode Island ranked first among the 50 U.S. states for rates of full vaccination coverage (two doses) against mpox among GBMSM, and second among the 50 states for single dose vaccination. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) succeeded in its MPOX rapid outbreak response by focusing on community engagement, health equity, and reaching GBMSM subpopulations, incluidng BIPOC community members, people who use drugs, people on the "down low," commercial sex workers, and those experiencing homelessness.
Methods: Using technology developed during Rhode Island’s COVID-19 response, RIDOH created a mpox Vaccine Interest Notification List, prompting interested individuals to receive text-based notifications when the vaccine was available. A mpox communications and vaccination plan was implemented with input from a GBMSM mpox advisory committee. Communication activities focused on reaching MSM through online dating sites, advertising in cinemas, and a RIDOH mpox website landing page. A variety of community settings were selected for public vaccination clinics to reach GBMSM, including bathhouses, churches, bars, SSPs, community colleges, and sports leagues.
Results: As of January 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC_ reported that 62% of Rhode Island’s target population received one dose, and 46% received two doses (fully vaccinated) of JYNNEOS. During the initial campaign period, the RIDOH mpox landing webpage received 35,000 page views. According to the CDC, among the fify States, Rhode Island ranked #1 for full vaccination coverage (two doses) and #2 for partial vaccination (one dose).
Conclusion: Many aspects of Rhode Island’s nation-leading mpox outbreak response are transferrable to future infectious outbreaks: (1) a non-stigmatizing education campaign informed by community engagement and health equity; (2) a nimble infrastructure for rapid establishment of public vaccination clinics; (3) existing collaboration with community groups, and (4) strong support from local healthcare professionals.
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