Meningitis: GMHC Takes Action

GMHC Salutes Two Members of Our Board of Directors For Their Leadership in Combating Meningitis

Demetre Daskalakis, MD and Frank Spinelli, MD, two GMHC Board members, are at the frontlines of the fight against meningitis outbreak among gay men in NYC, and are administering free meningitis vaccinations two times a week. To date, over 700 vaccinations have been given at GMHC. Dr. Daskalakis coordinated the free vaccines with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and continues to lead this effort. GMHC is partnering closely with the DOHMH and the Men’s Sexual Health Project on this program. GMHC thanks NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn for her leadership in assembling a coalition to increase the number of people vaccinated.

Vaccines are being given at the GMHC Center for HIV Prevention, 224 West 29th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues).   To receive a free vaccination, sign up in advance is required either in person at GMHC’s Main Office, 446 West 33rd Street - 7th floor (between 9th and 10th Avenues), by calling (212) 367-1273, or by e-mailing donnap@gmhc.org.

"We are very concerned about the outbreak of meningitis among men who have sex with men in New York City," stated Jay Varma, MD, Deputy Commissioner for Disease Control, DOHMH. "We identified two groups at highest risk of contracting meningitis: HIV-infected men who have sex with men, and any men, regardless of HIV status, who regularly have intimate contact with other men met through a website, digital application (App), or at a bar or party.”

Any gay man or MSM (man who has sex with men), at least 18 years of age, regardless of HIV status, who has had sex with a man he met through a website (Manhunt, Adam 4 Adam, etc.), digital application (GRINDR, SCRUFF, etc.), a bar, or a party since September 1, 2012 or who plan on having such contact in the future are recommended to be vaccinated.

GMHC has also provided vaccinations to transgender individuals and heterosexual women as well – vaccinations are open to all who may be exposed.

Demetre Daskalakis, MD MPH is the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program Director at the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine, Assistant Attending at Bellevue Hospital and Founding Director of the Men's Sexual Health Project (M*SHP). Dr. Daskalakis commented, "Given the urgent need to address this potentially lethal infection impacting one of the communities so well served by GMHC, I am grateful for the support provided by both the DOHMH and GMHC to make this vaccine available.”

VACCINE INFORMATION
Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Wednesday, October 23, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
 
Sign up in advance (required) at:
GMHC Main Office 446 West 33rd Street - 7th floor
(between 9th and 10th Avenues)
Or call (212) 367-1273 or e-mail donnap@gmhc.org
 
Vaccinations will be given at:
GMHC Center for HIV Prevention 224 West 29th Street - Ground Floor
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
 

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