The Virginia Department of Health is committed to providing equitable access to mpox testing and vaccination through innovative, collaborative, and community-led approaches in partnership with our local health departments, healthcare providers, and community groups.
CDC Mpox Vaccine Equity Pilot
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is providing vials of mpox vaccine at no cost for projects seeking to address vaccination disparities among one or more priority groups most affected by mpox.
Through this program, territorial, local health departments, tribal governments, tribal organizations, and local non-governmental organization partners in Virginia are encouraged to demonstrate new, innovative, and non-traditional ways to address barriers to vaccination among people most affected by mpox.
Some barriers to vaccination include differences in language, lack of transportation, overall vaccine hesitancy, and lack of access to online scheduling technology. Additionally, people may avoid vaccination events marketed toward specific sexual or gender identities out of fear of being stigmatized.
Who Should Apply?
Community based organizations serving Black and Latino gay, MSM, and bisexual communities who can:
- Immediately assist with mpox vaccine administration and/or education;
- Work with those most affected by mpox disparities;
- Provide innovative and creative solutions to connecting with targeted groups;
- Partner and work with local health departments and healthcare providers.
Proposals can be combined with CDC Foundation’s Reducing Disparities in Mpox Vaccination Project funding, which will provide mini-grants to community based organizations, state, territorial, local or tribal health departments or tribal organizations who are vaccinating one or more focus populations for mpox.
How to Apply?
In order for VDH to submit a mpox vaccination outreach proposal to CDC on your behalf, you must:
- Complete the application on REDCap (preferred) or submit via email: mpxquestions@vdh.virginia.gov
- Exhibit how your proposed event will reach people who are most affected by mpox based on local or national data
- Detail how activities proposed will address barriers to vaccination
NOTE: Applications will be processed on a rolling basis. CDC will continue to consider applications until the vaccine supply for the pilot program is exhausted.
For More Information
Contact Information
Email: mpxquestions@vdh.virginia.gov Subject: Mpox Equity Application
CDC Mpox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program Info Sessions 2022
Watch this recorded information session about the program: CDC Monkeypox Vaccine Equity Pilot Program Info Sessions 2022 Video
CDC has gathered examples of successful Mpox vaccination outreach, which can be viewed here. CDC has also created a Mpox Vaccine Equity Toolkit with resources and information to address disparities and increase vaccine access.
Listen to this National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) podcast (starting at the 13:43 mark) to hear how local health departments are applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to reach populations at risk for mpox.
Last updated: December 14, 2022
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