I feel so like my mother who flipped out over the plane crashing ‘near’ pittsburgh on 9-11, but I read about this, and my immediate thought was “I hope Joel’s alright” followed by “he better have gotten that vaccine, especially since cheetah is so close to home for him” So,
— In GayMensHealthSummit@yahoogroups.com, JimberlyPickett@a… wrote:
VERY IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION —- PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY
There have been six cases of meningococcal meningitis reported in gay and
bisexual men in Chicago in the last 2 weeks. Three of the men have died.
It has been determined that of the 6 cases, 4 of them are “Type C”
meningitis, which is included in the meningitis vaccine.
Beginning today, October 19, the City of Chicago has begun a vaccination
program for gay and bisexual men in Chicago who have had close direct contact
(kissing, sharing saliva, sexual contact) with others in social setting on
Chicago’s North Side during October 2003.
Please understand that meningitis can appear in any type of population, from
grade schoolers to college students. It just so happens that a cluster has
appeared in men who have sex with men on Chicago’s north side. There is no direct
link between male-male sexual behavior and meningitis. It has popped up in
this social group and is therefore very capable of spreading in this social
group. Remember that meningitis can be spread from such behaviors as a cough, a
sneeze, sharing a glass of water, kissing.
There are no known side effects to the vaccine shot, and only those who are
allergic to latex or thimerasol should avoid the shots. There will be TWO
sites set up this evening at special locations, and then there will be 5 regular
locations. Here is the schedule of times and locations:
The vaccination program will begin today, Sunday, October 19 at 5 p.m. at:
1. Lakeview Storefront, 3345 N. Halsted, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
2. Cheetah Gym, 5248 N. Clark, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The vaccination program will continue from Monday through Friday, October 20
to 24 at the following places and times:
1. Lakeview Storefront, 3345 N. Halsted, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
2. Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
and at the following clinics during their regular hours:
3. Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan [Mon-Thurs. 9-7; Fri., 9-5;
Sat. 9-3]
4. Lakeview Clinic, 2961 N. Clark [MWF 8-4; TTh 10-6]
5. Uptown Clinic, 845 W. Wilson [MWF 8-4; TTh 10-6]