Vaccine Available To Stop Outbreak
The city Health Department issued recommendations for vaccinating against invasive meningococcal disease- commonly known as meningitis-after a spike of cases reported over the past five weeks.
The department is advising vaccinations for any man who is HIV positive and has had intimate contact with another man that he met through a website, digital application (app), or at a bar or party since Sept. 1. The vaccine is available at medical facilities throughout the city for men who meet these criteria but who cannot obtain it from their HIV care providers.
The outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease among HIVpositive men in New York City is completely unrelated to the outbreak of meningitis in several states that is caused by a contaminated medication.
Vaccination prevents but does not treat current infection. Common symptoms of meningitis are high fever, headache, stiff neck, and rash that develop rapidly upon onset. Symptoms may occur two to 10 days after exposure, but usually within five days. People who are HIV-positive and who experience these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Because the vaccine is best given in the context of regular medical care for HIV infection, people should first check with the medical care provider that treats them for HIV infection to ask if they have the vaccine. If the medical provider does not have the vaccine, people should visit one of the HIV clinics in select New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) facilities.
HHC clinics will waive their copay requirements for two months for people who have insurance. The Health Department’s clinics will also be able to administer the vaccine for those people who cannot obtain vaccine from their medical providers or a HHC clinic.
Individuals who meet some, but not all, of the criteria are advised to discuss their need for vaccination with their medical provider.
Vaccine locations at select HIV clinics in Health and Hospitals Corporation sites include Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center (760 Broadway, East Williamsburg), Elmhurst Hospital Center (79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst) and Queens Hospital Center (82-68 164th St., Jamaica).
To find an HIV care provider or location to get a vaccine, call 311. For more information search “meningitis” at www.nyc.gov.
