Protruding facts
This report presents the results of a mixed study carried out in Quebec in 2023-2024 regarding the MPOX vaccination campaign. This study follows the first hatching in Montreal in 2022. The main objective of the study was to better understand the determinants of MPOX vaccination in communities at risk of contracting disease, in health and public health professionals who offer services to these communities and in health professionals or social services involved in the campaign. Data has been collected in the field, among communities at risk of contracting disease and workers in the health network, as well as in line on web pages and social networks. The main findings emanating from data collection are as follows:
Vaccination acceptability:
- The majority of respondents had a favorable opinion for vaccination.
- The most evoked vaccination reasons were to feel at risk of contracting the disease and the protection of the community.
- Participants from the GBTQ2+ community were concerned about the impacts of MPOX on their sex and love life.
- Lack of time, confusion with a possible dose given to childhood and ignorance of the need for a second dose were the main reasons for non-vaccination during the second vaccination phase in 2023.
Stigma reduction strategies:
- Stigmatization was a major issue, especially on social media.
- Strategies have been implemented to reduce this stigma, including targeted communication and the use of an inclusive vocabulary.
Vaccine fatigue and hesitation:
- A vaccination fatigue has been observed, partly linked to the multiple vaccinations against COVID-19.
- The analysis of comments on social media revealed a distrust of the authorities and a minimization of the severity of the disease.
Vaccination campaign forces:
- The campaign was considered a success by all of the public health professionals surveyed (n = 12), thanks to good collaboration between public health bodies and community partners, particularly those in direct contact with the community at risk.
- Proximity vaccination and speed of reaction, drawn from the experience of COVVI-19, also contributed to the success of the campaign.
Weaknesses of the vaccination campaign:
- Difficulties in reaching disadvantaged populations and certain communities, such as trans or bisexual people, compared to gay men have been observed.
- The constraints of daily life and the lack of information on vaccination places have been mentioned as barriers by the population at risk.
