Acceptability of a gonococcal vaccine among sexually active men who have sex with men.

Background Prospects for a gonococcal vaccine have advanced. Vaccine acceptability is crucial to maximizing population-level protection among key groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). We assessed prevalence of gonococcal vaccine acceptability among sexually-active MSM in the United States. Methods We used data from the American Men's Internet Study conducted during 8/2019─12/2019. We calculated frequencies of socio-demographic characteristics, vaccine acceptability, and preferred location for vaccine receipt. Using log-binomial regression analyses, we calculated unadjusted prevalence rates (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate factors associated with vaccine acceptability. Results Of 4,951 MSM, 83.5% were willing to accept a vaccine and 16.5% were unwilling. Preferred vaccination locations were primary care provider's clinics (83.5%) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics (64.6%). Vaccine acceptability was greater among young MSM (15─24 years [PR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05-1.12], 25─29 years [PR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09─1.17], and 30-39 years [PR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05─1.14]) compared to MSM ≥ 40 years), MSM living with HIV (PR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02─1.09), and MSM who reported (in the past 12 months) condomless anal sex (PR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.06─1.12), a bacterial STD test (PR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.15─1.21), HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use (PR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.14─1.19), a bacterial STD diagnosis (PR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02─1.07), or a healthcare provider visit (PR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06─1.16). MSM who reported ≤high school education (PR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91-0.97) were less willing to accept a vaccine compared to those with >high school education. Conclusion Most respondents were willing to accept a gonococcal vaccine. These findings can inform the planning and implementation of a future gonococcal vaccination program that focuses on MSM.