At Tom of P-Town Health, we talk a lot about staying on top of your sexual health—PrEP, HPV, Hep A/B, and all the usual suspects. But there’s one vaccine that flies under the radar far too often—and it's a big deal: the meningitis vaccine. Actually, make that vaccines—plural.
If you’re part of the gay scene—especially if you’re out at clubs, play parties, circuit events, or Pride festivals—you may be at increased risk for invasive meningococcal disease, a fast-moving and potentially fatal infection that can cause bacterial meningitis. The good news? There are vaccines that can prevent it. The bad news? Most providers aren’t giving you the full story.
Let’s fix that.
💉 First Things First: What Is Meningococcal Meningitis?
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that lives in the nose and throat and spreads through saliva—think kissing, sharing drinks, close contact, and yes, oral sex. When it invades the body, it can cause:
Meningitis – inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
Sepsis – bloodstream infection that can lead to organ failure
This disease moves fast—you can go from feeling fine to fighting for your life in 24 hours. Even with treatment, 1 in 10 people with meningococcal meningitis dies, and survivors often face permanent disability, including hearing loss, seizures, or limb amputations.
🎯 Why Gay Men Are at Higher Risk
Gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected during outbreaks, especially in cities with vibrant queer nightlife. Why?
We gather in tight, loud, intimate spaces where close contact is inevitable.
We share drinks, joints, vapes, and sometimes saliva in other, ahem, recreational ways.
Some of us are on PrEP or living with HIV, which may alter immune responses.
Many travel to and from large events like Pride, circuit parties, and leather weekends.
In recent years, outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis have occurred in NYC, LA, Chicago, and Florida, mostly among gay and bi men. In one outbreak, over 80% of cases were among MSM—and many of them were previously healthy.
💉 The Two Vaccines You Might Need
There are two different vaccines that protect against meningococcal disease:
1. MenACWY (brand names: Menactra®, Menveo®, MenQuadfi®)
Covers serogroups A, C, W, and Y
This is the standard meningitis vaccine given to teens
Recommended as a booster every 5 years for people at ongoing risk, including MSM who are part of the scene
❗ Most providers don’t know the 5-year booster rule. If you’re high risk and got this shot more than 5 years ago, you may no longer be protected.
2. MenB (brand names: Bexsero®, Trumenba®)
Covers serogroup B, a separate strain that causes nearly half of all US meningococcal disease cases in young adults
Not included in the routine MenACWY vaccine
Requires 2 doses, a month apart
Many recent outbreaks in the gay community have been due to serogroup B, which MenACWY doesn’t cover.
💡 Who Should Get Both?
You should consider getting both MenACWY and MenB vaccines (or boosters) if:
You’re a gay/bi man or trans person who’s socially or sexually active
You attend sex parties, festivals, or clubs where close contact is likely or your professional work regularly brings you in contact with folks who do (barbers, aestheticians, bodyworkers, sex workers)
You’re on PrEP or living with HIV
You’re under age 60 and spend time in urban queer spaces
You haven’t had a MenACWY vaccine in the past 5 years
💊 Safety, Side Effects & Coverage
Both vaccines are very safe. Most people have mild arm soreness, a low-grade fever, or fatigue for a day or two. Serious side effects are rare.
💰 Cost & Insurance
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover both vaccines if your provider documents that you’re at increased risk.
If you’re uninsured, we can work with local programs to help you get vaccinated.
At Tom of P-Town Health, we advocate for access without judgment, and we’ll make sure you’re covered or connected.
🧠 What Are the Symptoms of Meningococcal Meningitis?
Know what to look for—early treatment saves lives.
Sudden fever
Headache and stiff neck
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion or altered mental state
Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
Severe fatigue or trouble waking up
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, go to the ER immediately—it can be deadly in hours.
🏳️🌈 Protect Your Chosen Family
Just like PrEP protects against HIV, the meningitis vaccines protect against something rare but dangerous—and potentially devastating. At Tom of P-Town Health, we believe you deserve the same protection as the frat bros who got their shots before college. Don’t wait for an outbreak to start asking questions.
✅ TL;DR
Gay and bi men are at increased risk for meningococcal meningitis
There are 2 vaccines: MenACWY (needs a booster every 5 years) and MenB
Both vaccines are safe, effective, and usually covered by insurance
If you haven’t had a booster or never had both—come see us, talk to your provider, or hit a CVS or Walgreens
Because taking care of your health isn’t extra. It’s essential.
💬 Got questions or want help scheduling your vaccines?
Text or call us anytime- www.tomofptown.com
Tom of P-Town Health has your back (and your meninges).
Comments
Post a Comment