Meningitis Vaccination, Knowledge, and Awareness Among YMSM in Chicago

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreaks disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly young, Black, and HIV-positive individuals.
• Vaccination is recommended for MSM in outbreak settings, yet knowledge and uptake among young MSM (YMSM) remain understudied.
• Understanding awareness and vaccination status is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the knowledge, awareness, and vaccination status of IMD among young men who have sex with men (YMSM).
• To explore racial and ethnic differences in IMD knowledge, risk perception, and vaccination status within this population.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 486 young men (aged 16-29) in the RADAR cohort study.
• Participants responded to 13 questions regarding IMD transmission, prevention, and personal risk.
• Analysis focused on knowledge accuracy, self-reported vaccination status, and risk perception, comparing White and Black YMSM.

Main Results:

• Only half of YMSM correctly identified IMD transmission routes.
• 58.6% recognized vaccination as the primary prevention method.
• Over 60% perceived no personal risk for meningitis, and only 49% reported vaccination.
• White YMSM demonstrated significantly higher vaccination rates, accurate knowledge, and risk perception compared to Black YMSM.

Conclusions:

• Young men who have sex with men exhibit significant gaps in IMD knowledge and low vaccination rates.
• Racial disparities exist in IMD awareness, risk perception, and vaccine uptake among YMSM.
• Interventions must address these knowledge deficits and disparities to improve IMD control and outbreak management in vulnerable populations.