METHODS: The number of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) doses in I-CARE administered to persons aged ≥18 years during June 3–November 15 was compared to the number administered during the same period in 2014. Vaccine recipient demographics were analyzed. The distribution of black males and individuals living in high-risk regions during the first month (Stage 1) was compared to the following months (Stage 2) to evaluate targeted efforts continuing later in the campaign. The number of males who received 2 doses ≥8 weeks apart was used to estimate the number of appropriately vaccinated males living with HIV. HIV surveillance data was queried for the number of HIV-infected MSM in Chicago.
RESULTS: During the campaign months assessed, 12,287 federally-funded MCV4 doses were administered by CDPH and 79 partner sites, 43 of which entered data into I-CARE. Compared to 194 doses reported in I-CARE in 2014, 10,901 doses (not limited to federally-funded) were reported in 2015, a 5,519% increase. Vaccine recipient median age was 38 years (range, 18–94). Of 5,342 recipients who reported race and gender, 4,963 (93%) were male and 1,527 (29%) were black. Black males represented 19% (674/3,616) of recipients during Stage 1 and 36% (625/1,726) during Stage 2. Complete Chicago addresses were reported by 7,834 individuals. During Stage 1, 20% (1,003/5,005) lived in Chicago’s Southern and Western regions, which increased in Stage 2 to 40% (1,121/2,829). Compared to 15,054 HIV-infected MSM living in Chicago, 1,028 (7%) males received 2 doses.
CONCLUSIONS: I-CARE data demonstrated initial low uptake of MCV4 among black males and in high-risk communities, and improved coverage among these populations after focused outreach. Results suggest a low rate of appropriate vaccination among HIV-infected males. IIS’s can serve as a valuable tool to determine in real-time whether mass vaccination campaigns are reaching targeted populations and to guide vaccination efforts.