PRESS RELEASE

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), in partnership with The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach (The Center) and Broadway bar and restaurant owners, will hold free meningococcal vaccination night clinics on Friday, September 9, and Saturday, September 10, from 7:30 to 11:30 pm.

The Health Department’s Mobile Clinic will be parked on Broadway at the following locations:

• Friday, September 9, between the Paradise Bar and Restaurant, 1800 E. Broadway, and the Brit at 1744 E. Broadway.
• Saturday, September 10, between the Falcon, 1435 E. Broadway, and the Mineshaft, 1720 E. Broadway.

Partnering with local business owners, the Long Beach Health Department and The Center, in response to an ongoing outbreak mostly affecting gay and bisexual men in Southern California, are taking steps to ensure that those at increased risk are informed and have access to free meningococcal vaccine. The California Department of Public Health is urging all gay and bisexual men and HIV-infected persons in the Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties to receive meningococcal vaccine.

Meningococcal disease results from an infection with a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. This infection often presents as meningitis or a severe bloodstream infection (sepsis). Symptoms may include sudden onset of high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion and a dark purplish rash. If not treated early, meningococcal disease can lead to loss of limbs and death. Meningococcal disease is transmitted by contact to respiratory secretions (spit) usually by close intimate contact including kissing, sharing drinks, and sharing eating utensils. Other risks include regularly visiting crowded venues such as bars, clubs, parties, smoking cigarettes, marijuana, hookah, or use of illegal drugs.

For more information about these free night clinics go to www.centerlb.org/meningitis. To find other locations offering free meningococcal vaccine, visit the Long Beach Health Department website at www.longbeach.gov/health or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LBDHHS.