NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Thomas Farley, MD, MPH
Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 4, 2012
 (347) 396-4177
 
HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS VACCINATION FOR HIV-POSITIVE MEN AT HIGH RISK OF MENINGITIS

Free vaccinations available beginning Friday, October 5 for people who cannot get vaccine from their health care provider

October 4, 2012 – The Health Department issued recommendations today 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 September 1, 2012. Vaccine will be available starting Friday 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 HIV-positive 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 2 to 10 days after exposure, but usually within 5 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 sites listed below. New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation clinics will waive their co-pay 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 New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation clinic. Locations are listed here. 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:
Bronx
Jacobi Medical Center
Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center
Brooklyn
Coney Island Hospital
Kings County Hospital Center
Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center
Manhattan
Bellevue Hospital Center
Harlem Hospital Center
Queens
Elmhurst Hospital Center
Queens Hospital Center

To find an HIV care provider or location to get a vaccine call 311. For more information search "Meningitis" at www.nyc.gov .

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MEDIA CONTACT: (347) 396-4177

Jean Weinberg: Pressoffice@health.nyc.gov