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

ABSTRACT

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 everhaving 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 (aOR1.04, 95%CI1.01-1.06 per increasing year), gender (aOR 0.26, 95%CI0.09-0.72, gender minority vs cis male), degree-level education (aOR 2.11,95% CI1.12-3.98), employment since lockdown (aOR 2.07,95% CI1.08-3.94), single relationship status (aOR 0.50,95% CI0.25-1.00), self-reported COVID-19 history (aOR 0.47, 95%CI0.25-0.88), HPV vaccination history (aOR 3.32, 95% CI1.43-7.75), and self-reported low life-worth (aOR 0.29, 95%CI0.15-0.54). 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.