High Vaccine Confidence Is Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use Substances.

Purpose: We examined associations between vaccine confidence and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Methods

Computer-assisted self-interviews were conducted among 249 GBMSM participating in mSTUDY from May to October 2021-a cohort of GBMSM with a history of substance use in Los Angeles. Data were collected using a vaccine confidence index. The association between vaccine confidence and COVID-19 vaccine uptake was assessed using multivariable log-binomial regression.

Results

Two-thirds (64.7%) of GBMSM reported receiving at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine confidence was positively associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Participants expressed neutral attitudes on government trust and vaccine safety. Perceived health benefit and vaccine effectiveness were statistically significantly associated with vaccine uptake (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-2.16; APR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.07-2.15).

Conclusions

Public health programs should prioritize public benefit and vaccine effectiveness messaging to advance vaccination among GBMSM who use substances.