New York State Department of Health Expands Vaccination Recommendation in Response to Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Among High Risk HIV Positive Men in New York City

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 5, 2012) - The New York State Department of Health (DOH) is expanding a recommendation issued Thursday by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) regarding meningococcal vaccinations. Specifically, DOH recommends the vaccine for all HIV-infected men who reside outside of New York City and may have traveled to the City and had intimate contact with other men since September 1, 2012. A cluster of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is being investigated by NYCHOHMH. After announcing a meningococcal vaccination campaign yesterday, NYCDOHMH recommended that all HIV- infected gay men who have had anonymous sex with men in New York City since September 1, 2012 receive the vaccine.

Individuals seeking vaccinations are advised to contact their health care provider. Residents who do not have a provider or their provider does not have the vaccine available, they should contact the nearest designated AIDS Center at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/campaign/meningococcal_vaccination/index.htm.

Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection of the blood stream. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, and a rash. Symptoms may occur two to 10 days after exposure, but usually within 5 days.

Since 2010 there have been 13 instances of meningitis among men who have sex with men in New York City, eight of which are HIV infected.

More information about the meningococcal disease outbreak among at-risk men is available at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/campaign/meningococcal_vaccination/index.htm.

Additional provider information can be found on the statewide HIV provider directory at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/resources/resource_directory/.