Mpox immunization coverage survey: Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs

Use the charts in this page to learn about mpox awareness, perceptions, knowledge and vaccine hesitancy in Canada. Find out which sources of information populations use to learn about the mpox vaccine.

On this page

• Virus awareness
• Vaccine awareness
• Concern of getting mpox
• Perceived public health threat of viruses
• Vaccine hesitancy
• Sources of information sought for mpox vaccines
• Vaccine perception

Virus awareness

In 2023, most cis, gay men (95%) and cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation (80%) reported that they had seen, read or heard at least a little about mpox.

In 2024, 80% of 2SLGBTQI+ people had seen, read or heard at least a little about mpox. 74% of those not 2SLGBTQI+ reported the same.

Data source: Mpox Immunization Coverage survey among 2SLGBTQI+ population, 2023 & 2024

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Figure 1: Text description

Figure 1: Data notes

Vaccine awareness

Among those who had seen, read or heard about mpox at least a little:

• in 2023, 85% of cis, gay men were aware that a vaccine against mpox was available in Canada
• in 2023, 60% of cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation were aware that a vaccine against mpox was available in Canada
• in 2024, 46% of 2SLGBTQI+people were aware that a vaccine against mpox was available in Canada compared to 27% of those who are not 2SLGBTQI+

Data source: Mpox Immunization Coverage survey among 2SLGBTQI+ population, 2023 & 2024

Figure 2: Text description

Figure 2: Data notes

Concern of getting mpox

Among those who were aware of mpox:

• In 2023, 36% of cis, gay men said they were not at all concerned about getting the mpox virus. 64% of cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation reported they were not at all concerned
• In 2024, 2SLGBTQI+ people were less likely to report that they were not at all concerned about getting the mpox virus compared to those who are not 2SLGTQI+ (58% vs. 72%)

Data source: Mpox Immunization Coverage survey among 2SLGBTQI+ population, 2023 & 2024

Figure 3: Text description

Figure 3: Data notes

Perceived public health threat of viruses

In 2023, among all respondents, mpox virus (50%) and HIV (41%) were perceived as a lower public health threat in Canada compared to COVID-19 (24%) and seasonal influenza (20%). The same pattern holds among cis, gay men and cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation.

In 2024, among all respondents, mpox virus (62%) and HIV (57%) were perceived as a lower public health threat in Canada compared to COVID-19 (23%) and seasonal influenza (20%). The same pattern holds among 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Data source: Mpox Immunization Coverage survey among 2SLGBTQI+ population, 2023 & 2024

Figure 4: Text description

Figure 4: Data notes

Vaccine hesitancy

In 2023, 13 % of a subset* of cis, gay men reported that they are or have been hesitant to get vaccinated against mpox. Less than 2 in 10 (18%) of a subset* of cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation reported that they are or have been hesitant to get vaccinated against mpox.

In 2024, 13% of a subset* of 2SLGBTQI+ people reported mpox vaccine hesitancy.

Data source: Mpox Immunization Coverage survey among 2SLGBTQI+ population, 2023 & 2024

Figure 5: Text description

Figure 5: Data notes

Sources of information sought for mpox vaccines

In 2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada or Health Canada was the top source of information about mpox vaccine for:

• 53 % of cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation
• 44% of cis, heterosexual men

In 2023, health care providers were the top source of information about mpox vaccine for cis, gay men (53%).

In 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada or Health Canada was the top source of information about mpox vaccine for 2SLGBTQI+ people (48%). Health care providers were the top source for those who are not 2SLGBTQI+ (53%).

Data source: Mpox Immunization Coverage survey among 2SLGBTQI+ population, 2023 & 2024

Figure 6: Text description

Figure 6: Data notes

Vaccine perception

In 2023, more than 8 in 10 cis, gay men and cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation believed that vaccines in general are safe and effective.

In 2023, most cis, gay men and cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation agreed that:

• vaccines are an effective way to reduce the risk of contracting mpox (91% and 80%, respectively)
• felt confident that they can protect themselves from mpox by getting a vaccine (87% and 74%, respectively)

In 2023, among cis, gay men and cis men who identified as bisexual, asexual, pansexual, or other sexual orientation:

• 84% and 66%, respectively, agreed that the mpox vaccine is effective for protection before exposure to mpox virus
• 36% and 25%, respectively, agreed that mpox vaccine is effective in providing protection after exposure to mpox (before any signs or symptoms)

In 2024, most 2SLGBTQI+ people:

• agreed that vaccines in general are effective (90%) and safe (89%)
• agreed that vaccines are an effective way to protect others against contracting mpox (76%)
• felt confident that they can protect themselves from mpox by getting a vaccine (71%)
• are more likely to agree with these statements than those who are not 2SLGBTQI+

In 2024, among 2SLGBTQI+ people:

• 56% agreed that the mpox vaccine is effective for protection before exposure to a probable or confirmed case of mpox
• 25% agreed that it is effective in providing protection after exposure to a probable or confirmed case of mpox

Data source: Mpox Immunization Coverage survey among 2SLGBTQI+ population, 2023 & 2024

Figure 7: Text description

Figure 7: Data notes