Understanding Vaccination Uptake amongst Gay, Bisexual and other Men who have Sex with Men in UK Sexual Health Services: A Qualitative Interview Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In England, gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM) are eligible for vaccinations at NHS sexual health services, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, current research shows limited understanding of the factors influencing vaccination uptake among GBMSM. This study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators affecting the offer and uptake of these vaccination programmes. Methods: A qualitative interview study following the Person-Based Approach (a systematic method for developing and optimising health interventions) involving GBMSM and sexual health service staff from two regions of England. Purposive sampling aimed to include GBMSM with diverse backgrounds and engagement with sexual health services. Patient and public involvement shaped the study design and interview topic guides. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed to identify barriers and facilitators which were interpreted using the COM-B model of behaviour change. Results: Twenty GBMSM and eleven staff took part. The findings showed that opportunistic delivery of HPV, HAV and HBV vaccination within sexual health services is mostly acceptable and feasible for GBMSM and staff while also highlighting areas for optimization. Despite low knowledge of these viruses and their associated risks, willingness to be vaccinated was high, with healthcare provider recommendations and the convenience of vaccine delivery during routine clinic visits acting as important facilitators. However, the reach of opportunistic models was limited, particularly for individuals underserved by sexual health services or disengaged from GBMSM social networks. System-level barriers such as complex vaccine schedules (particularly when multiple schedules are combined), inconsistent access to vaccination histories and limited system-level follow-up processes (e.g. automated invites and reminders) were also found to act as obstacles to vaccination uptake and delivery. Conclusions: To improve equitable uptake, sexual health services should explore the feasibility of addressing both individual and structural barriers through additional strategies, including targeted and persuasive communication to increase knowledge, leveraging regular contact with GBMSM to promote uptake and implementing enhanced approaches to support vaccination completion (e.g. prompts or reminders).

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