The New York City (NYC) health department has reported an outbreak of meningococcal disease in men who have sex with men (MSM) and has recommended vaccination of HIV-infected MSM who are NYC residents and who had intimate contact with other men met through online websites, digital applications (“apps”) or at bars or parties since September 1, 2012. While meningococcal vaccine is not recommended specifically for MSM or people with HIV infection except under particular circumstances, it is recommended for travel to places with ongoing outbreaks of meningococcal disease.
Therefore, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) recommends immunizing MSM, especially those with HIV infection, if their travel or travel plans include visiting NYC with expected close social inte raction with other MSM, or such social interaction with men from NYC occurs on a regular basis.
For more information, please check out the full alert on the MDPH web site.
