Are You Getting New Vaccination for Meningitis?

[bcohen7719]

See below..

 

BC

 

http://americablog.com/2013/06/nyc-meningitis-gay-pride.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_campaign=0&utm_content=582378

[+ Gar1eth]

I got it last week. But went to a pharmacy. The pharmacist used a 27 gauge TB syringe, I think, which means it most likely went subcutaneously when it is supposed to be an intramuscular injection. I didn't think about it until I returned home - the fact that the injection didnt hurt and wasnt sore at all. Intramuscular injections usually hurt worse than subcutaneous ones because the intramuscular shots are deeper.

 

So I was thinking - oh great. However I read some literature on the vaccine. It said if the injection is inadvertently give subcutaneously that the immune response was less but the experts still thought there was enough of a response not to need repeating except for the 5 year booster dose. So I'm bummed about the administration of it- but I'm guessing I'm sort of immunized.

 

It's a scary disease- people can show the 1st sign of symptoms - like fever- still look reasonably fine and then be in critical condition or dead within a couple of hours.

 

Gman

[biguy]

For MANY years we have been giving this vaccine to all kids starting at age 11 with a booster 5 years later and we make sure that the kids have had both shots by the time they are going off to college (dorms and other areas of high concentration living are high risk areas). Any gay male under the age of 25-30 has probably had his series and is protected but could always contact his pediatrician's office and check.

 

Other vaccines all gay males should have are the Gardasil vaccine (HPV) for STD's (including anal warts, penile cancer and esophageal cancer from oral sex - ask Michael Douglas). For those guys having sex with women as well it protects them (the women) against cervical cancer. Again, given starting at approximately age 11-12 and it is a series of 3 shots. Though "recommended" only through age 26 that is because the testing/trials were only done through that age. It is safe for the older population. Hepatitis B vaccine as well (series of 3 shots.)

 

Part of the problem of these shots is that people tend to get only one or two of the series and forget about completing it. Yes, you have protection, but not nearly as much as if you completed the series.

 

Run, don't walk, to get these shots. The "ouch" factor is a small price to pay.

[smendez1942]

I agree it's worth the time, but you assume that everyone here has health coverage or could afford these pricey vaccinations out of pocket: That's just not the case.

 

Until health care is made affordable for everyone, there will be many more who get sick, can't get proper health care and won't stay well as long.

[biguy]

You are partially right. Because these vaccines are well recognized in the gay community, they are available at many gay/lesbian health care centers at a significant discount. Even if you don't complete the series, 1 is better than none, 2 is better than 1, etc. and the recommended intervals can be stretched way out so, if you get 1 shot and don't have the funds for the next right away, it's better to get the next one eventually, even if it's a year later.

 

I do whole-heartedly agree with your last sentence and it's a terrible situation. But, on the other hand, what is your life worth? For some escorts it's simply one 1- hour appointment that winds up out of their pocket to cover all of this. Others, yes, will have to save up but it is so important to everyone's well-being.

[+ Gar1eth]

Hepatitis A is also a good vaccine to get. It's normally self-limited illness. In fact children often get it and are asymptomatic. But for adults they can be sick as a dog for weeks. My father obtained it from a restaurant outbreak and felt like dog pooky for weeks. The virus is transmitted by the fecal oral route- so gay men are at increased risk. It's a series of 2 injections. The disease is normally self limited but people occasionally die from it.

 

Gman

[rickp]

Yes, absolutely. Had the meningococcal vaccine last month. Have also had Hep A and B as well as HPV. These were all recommended by my doctor.

[Jscott]

HPV vaccine is contraindicated for those over 26 because the assumption is that most people are already "infected." I believe well over 90% have been exposed by the time they're 50. But the others, certainly worth it!

[+ Gar1eth]

HPV vaccine is contraindicated for those over 26 because the assumption is that most people are already "infected." I believe well over 90% have been exposed by the time they're 50. But the others, certainly worth it!

 

I'm not sure there are studies to support that. It may be true. But I know at least initially the prevalence is lower in males.

 

Gman

[biguy]

HPV is NOT "contraindicated" over age 26. Many people make that erroneous assumption that anyone over the age of 26 has been "infected." Data does not prove it, esp. when it comes to men who have been careful to wear condoms. (Sorry, not politically correct to single out women, but true.) Last, if anyone wants to be tested, it's a simple blood test to measure exposure to the virus.

More and more straight and gay men and women are getting the series after ending longterm relationships and entering the "hook-up pool".

[Mark Gordon]

I've had my meningococcal c conjugate vaccine, my Hep B vaccine (twice: they can and do lose their efficacy), I have natural immunity to Hep A following exposure and I've had my series of the Gardasil vaccine. While clinical trials on Gardasil have been predominantly directed at young women, there is evidence that men, and especially sexually active gay men, who are at dramatically increased risk of HPV leading to anal/oral cancer, may gain protective benefit from the vaccine, even if they have been treated for lesions following prior exposure: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22291111