Correlates of hepatitis A and B vaccination in a health-seeking sample of MSM

Background: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are considered a high-risk group for hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis B (HBV). However, a significant number of MSM remain unvaccinated. Methods: Data were drawn from a sample of 311 MSM in New York City. Participants responded to 2 questions assessing HAV and HBV vaccination. Vaccination was examined, using bivariate analysis, for correlations with key demographics. Results: 69% and 70% reported vaccination against HAV and HBV, respectively, and these vaccinations were highly correlated. Younger men, and men who were HIV positive, reported higher vaccination rates. Those with regular access to healthcare were more likely to be vaccinated, however, the venue utilized (private doctor, HMO, public clinic, hospital/ED) was unrelated to vaccination status. Men who were unsure of their HIV status or had not received a recent sexual health checkup (SHC) were less likely to be vaccinated, and whether men had a recent SHC was related to their source of healthcare: 70% of men with private care, 69% utilizing public clinics, 64% utilizing an HMO, and only 25% utilizing an ED had a recent SHC. Conclusion: Findings indicate that a subset of men who are unsure of their HIV status may also be going without critical sexual health services. There is also a need for increased vigilance on behalf of providers, as at least one-third of men with regular access to healthcare in this sample remain unvaccinated.