We consider optimal control of a new type of non-local stochastic partial differential
equations (SPDEs). The SPDEs have space interactions, in the sense that the dynamics
of the system at time t and position in space x also depend on the space-mean of values
at neighbouring points. This is a model with many applications, e.g. to population
growth studies and epidemiology. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions of
a class of SPDEs with space interactions, and we show that, under some conditions, the
solutions are positive for all times if the initial values are. Sufficient and necessary maximum
principles for the optimal control of such systems are derived. Finally, we apply
the results to study an optimal vaccine strategy problem for an epidemic by modelling
the population density as a space-mean stochastic reaction-diffusion equation.