Acceptability of a Chlamydia Vaccine Among Young Women and Men in Birmingham, Alabama, USA: 2023-2025.

Background: Chlamydia infection remains a global health concern, justifying the need for a chlamydia vaccine. Chlamydia infection rates are highest among young women and men; thus, they would be the target populations for vaccination. However, vaccine availability does not ensure uptake. We conducted a survey among youth to identify factors that may influence chlamydia vaccine acceptability. Methods: Females and males aged 16-29 years seen for care in adolescent, gynecology, student health, and sexual health clinics completed a computer-assisted survey, collecting information on sexual health, health care utilization, vaccination history, and factors related to chlamydia and vaccine acceptability. Results: Of 399 female and 221 male participants, most (93.2%) had heard of chlamydia, 28.1% reported prior chlamydia infection, and 52.6% believed they could acquire chlamydia infection. Interest in chlamydia vaccination was reported by 42.4% females and associated with non-Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, clinic site, previous influenza or COVID-19 vaccination, and awareness of human papillomavirus vaccination. Among males, 44.8% reported chlamydia vaccination interest that was associated with ethnicity, human papillomavirus vaccine awareness, chlamydia awareness, prior chlamydia infection, and possibility of acquiring chlamydia infection. Among all participants, most (82.5%) reported their main motivation for vaccination was to protect themselves and major barriers were concerns about safety (50.0%) and cost (23.1%). The majority (66.0%) reported health care providers as the main resource for vaccine information and were more likely to get vaccinated if recommended by them. Conclusions: Less than half of surveyed youth were interested in receiving a chlamydia vaccine. Findings will guide strategies for chlamydia vaccine implementation.