Public Health Continues to Urge Meningococcal Vaccination for Men who have Sex with Men

LOS ANGELES – As Los Angeles Pride festivities continue, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) reminds men who have sex with men (MSM) that they may be at increased risk for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and therefore need to be vaccinated. Public Health reports that there have been 28 outbreak-associated cases of meningococcal disease since March 2016 in Southern California.

Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious disease that can lead to swelling in the brain and spinal cord, loss of a limb, deafness, brain damage or even death.

Due to the current increases in cases among MSM, Public Health recommends meningococcal vaccination for all MSM, regardless of HIV status. Free meningococcal vaccinations are available at the locations listed below. Vaccinations can also be obtained from your healthcare provider and in select pharmacies. Call your provider or pharmacy or visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip for more information.

”The upcoming Pride festivities are a great time to remind those at risk for meningococcal disease to get vaccinated,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Interim Health Officer. “Because this vaccine is highly effective against this disease, we want to make it as easily available as possible for those who need it.”

Public Health clinics provide vaccines for all people at higher-risk for IMD, regardless of health insurance status. Those who do not have a regular health care provider or health insurance that covers vaccines can call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 for referrals to providers offering vaccines at no-cost or a reduced cost.

Limiting activities that spread saliva can also decrease the risk of infection. These include:

Don’t share drinks, utensils, food, or toothbrushes.
Don’t have multiple kissing partners.
Don’t share things you smoke, like cigarettes, e- cigarettes, cigars, pipes and hookahs.

The following locations offer free meningococcal vaccinations for all people at higher-risk (please call to confirm availability):

APLA Health – Gleicher/Chen Health Center 3743 S. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles 90016, 323-329-9900

APLA Health - Long Beach Health Center 1043 Elm Ave., Suite 302, Long Beach, CA 90813, 562-247-7740

Los Angeles LGBT Center 1625 N. Schrader Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028, 323-993-7500

AHF Wellness Center – West Adams 2146 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles 90018, 888-836-5946

AHF Wellness Center - Hollywood 1300 N. Vermont Ave, Suite 407, Los Angeles 90027, 866-339-2525

AHF Wellness Center – San Fernando Valley 4940 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 200, Sherman Oaks 91403, 866-625-4559

Central Health Center 241 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles 90012, 213-240-8204

Hollywood/Wilshire Health Center 5205 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90038, 323-769-7800

North Hollywood Health Center 5300 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood 91601, 818-766-3982

Pomona Health Center 750 S. Park Avenue, Pomona 91766, 909-868-0235

Antelope Valley Health Center 335-B East Avenue K6, Lancaster 93535, 661-723-4526

Public Health continues working closely with the California Department of Public Health and neighboring health departments as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote education and awareness, and to increase the ease and availability of vaccination.

About Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria known as Neisseria meningitis. The illness most people are familiar with is meningitis. It can be spread to others through the respiratory secretions of people who carry the bacteria without symptoms in their nose and throat. Meningococcal disease can start with flu-like symptoms, and progress to high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion and rash. People who experience these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about the LA County Department of Public Health and the work they do, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.

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