The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63262

Janet Zola, MPH¹, Amy Pine, MPH¹, Path Fu, BS¹, and Susan E. Fernyak, MD, MPH². (1) Communicable Disease Prevention Unit, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, Room 408, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-554-2790, janet.zola@sfdph.org, (2) Community Health Epidemiology and Disease Control, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 101 Grove Street, Room 204, San Francisco, CA 94102

San Francisco has approximately 55,000 gay and bisexual men residing in the city. Among 3600 MSM seeking HIV testing services in 2001, less than 16% had been vaccinated for hepatitis A, and less than 20% had been vaccinated for hepatitis B. To address the low immunization rate of local MS, the Health Department set up a pilot drop-in vaccination clinic inside a local gym. An existing gay men’s community advisory group worked closely with staff on publicity efforts and appropriateness of location and outreach materials. Shots were offered 3 hours a day, two evenings a week for 6 months. Hepatitis A, B and the bivalent A and B vaccine Twinrix were offered at discounted prices ($15, $20, or $30) for cash only payments. Demographic information was collected on shot recipients, and clients anonymously completed questionnaires asking about life style, health care behaviors, insurance, and reasons for seeking vaccinations. The clinic was promoted via flyers, media (print, TV and StopHep website), and outreach workers. Reminder post cards were sent to everyone needing return visits. Immunizations were administered on an average of one every 16 minutes. Nearly 60% of requested vaccinations were for the bivalent vaccine. Clients reported convenience as a primary factor in utilization of the service even though 77% reported having private insurance coverage. Hepatitis education and awareness was a primary factor in the project.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to identify the successes and shortcomings of establishing a six-month pilot hepatitis vaccination and education site targeting MSM in a non-traditional community setting.

Keywords: Immunizations, Hepatitis B

Related Web page: www.stophep.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: GlaxoSmithKline
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.