Health Equity Considerations

ASPR/CDC Mpox Vaccination Operational Planning Guide - HHS Mpox Vaccination Program

When developing vaccination plans, consider the following approaches to ensure equitable distribution to all high-risk populations:

• Engage people from affected communities in planning for vaccine programs and as trusted sources of information about both mpox disease and vaccination.
• Use non-stigmatizing, plain language in all forms of communication (e.g., printed materials and in-person communication), in the preferred language of the individual.
  
• Reduce barriers to vaccination by allowing individuals to self-attest to meeting criteria to receive mpox vaccination prior to exposure (i.e., provide vaccine without requiring individuals to specify which criterion they meet).
  
• Provide plain language details about all available vaccination options and the data supporting these options in the preferred language of the individual.
• Reiterate privacy of information, how data will be used and who has access.
• Engage diverse partners already working with affected populations.
• Bring vaccines to where affected populations live and work through pop-up events and mobile outreach conveniently located in their communities and neighborhoods.
• Offer multiple opportunities and times to be vaccinated, including evenings and weekends to improve accessibility.
• Leverage clinical venues that serve people who have historically had less access to primary care, including sexual health clinics, transgender health clinics, and pharmacies.
• Use multiple channels, such as, social media, websites, television/radio announcements, or flyers to advertise and book appointments.
• Minimize the use of systems that are first-come, first-served; equity interventions that prioritize populations less able to access vaccine (e.g., low income or rural communities) should be implemented even if a first-come, first-served model is used.