COVID-19 VACCINATION UPTAKE AND COVERAGE REPORTED BY MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM) IN THE UK IN A LARGE, COMMUNITY SURVEY ('RIISH-COVID')

Introduction

MSM are disproportionately affected by health inequalities which may be exacerbated by COVID-19 and pandemic-related restrictions. We examine uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in MSM and assess factors associated with vaccination status.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey of MSM recruited via social media and dating applications for 3 weeks in November/December 2021. Questions included those on vaccine offer and uptake (1 dose/2 doses/2 doses+booster). Logistic regression assessed factors associated with reporting full vaccination status (≥2 doses) by sociodemographic characteristics, HIV status, self-reported COVID history, and mental health indicators.

Results

Of 1,039 participants, 98.2% (n=1,020) reported ever-having been offered a COVID vaccine, of which 98.0% (1,000/1,020) reported ≥1 dose and 96.5% (985/1020) full vaccination status. In multivariate models, full vaccination status was associated with: age (aOR:1.04, 95%CI:1.01-1.06 per increasing year), gender (aOR: 0.26, 95%CI:0.09-0.72, gender minority vs cis male), degree-level education (aOR: 2.11,95%CI:1.12-3.98), employment since lockdown (aOR: 2.07,95%CI:1.08-3.94), single relationship status (aOR: 0.50,95%CI:0.25-1.00), self-reported COVID-19 history (aOR: 0.47, 95%CI:0.25-0.88), HPV vaccination history (aOR: 3.32, 95%CI:1.43-7.75), and self-reported low life-worth (aOR: 0.29, 95%CI:0.15-0.54).

Conclusion

This large community survey suggests COVID-19 vaccine uptake and coverage is high in MSM and exceeds general population vaccination estimates. However, inequalities appear to exist in some groups, including younger age-groups, gender minorities, and those with poorer mental health less likely to report full vaccination. Efforts are needed to limit COVID-related exacerbation of health inequalities in these groups who already experience a greater burden of poor health relative to other MSM.