Hepatitis vaccination of men-who-have-sex-with-men by taking the vaccine into the community

BackgroundVaccination programs targeting persons with risk behaviors, such as men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), present difficult challenges. Innovative approaches are necessary to reach these populations.MethodsA free, three-dose combination hepatitis A/hepatitis B (HAV/HBV) vaccine was available to MSM through a variety of venues within the community: health department clinics, community health centers, private physicians who cater to MSM, and community outreach at MSM bars.ResultsUsing the recommended doses (two for HAV, three for HBV) as criteria for successful vaccination, the completion rate for HAV was 49% and for HBV 29.3%. Alternatively, a single HAV vaccination provided at least 1 year's protection in more than 94% of recipients meaning that at least 1840 of the 1957 MSM were successfully immunized against hepatitis A.ConclusionsMultiple and interchangeable venues for hepatitis vaccination eliminate sufficient practical barriers to vaccination to empower MSM to complete the vaccination series.