Abstract
IntroductionThe first case of mpox in Louisiana was identified two months ahead of Southern Decadence Festival in New Orleans, the largest LGBTQ+ Pride festival in the South. With mpox case numbers reflecting racial disparities, the objective was to mount an equitable vaccination response. MethodsThe Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) rapidly pivoted its Covid-19 resources and strategies – specifically, using vaccine strike teams and mobile events, in-state vaccine redistribution through centralized warehousing and shipping support, and community partnerships – to now control mpox transmission. Here we have evaluated State-based Immunization Information System data to examine whether the vaccination response was geographically and racially equitable. Geographic equity was measured by taking into account vaccine availability as well as uptake in areas with high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Results113 providers were enrolled in the vaccination program, and 96 mobile vaccination events were held in locations frequented by at-risk populations. Racial disparities among vaccine recipients decreased over time, and vaccine availability and uptake was equitable in high SVI areas. However, Black, female and Hispanic/Latinx patients had significantly higher risk of not completing the two-dose series relative to their counterparts. ConclusionThe mpox vaccination response in Louisiana was geographically equitable, though some disparities remained.
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