BACKGROUND:
MSM represent an adult group at high risk for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, the only two vaccine-preventable sexually-transmitted diseases. Despite the widespread availability of safe and effective vaccines, the incidence of new infections among MSM remains high while infection among most other adults groups is falling.

OBJECTIVE:
To understand current vaccination and immunity rates among MSM and the factors which affect vaccination

METHOD:
Data was collected at 10 Gay Pride Festivals across the United
States during the summer of 2003. Data was analyzed to determine vaccination and immunity rates and the importance of age, race, income, disclosure of sexual orientation and access to healthcare regular healthcare provider upon those rates.

RESULT:
Of the 1430 respondents, 42% of reported receiving any doses of a vaccine against hepatitis A; 51% reported receiving any doses of a vaccine against hepatitis B. When individually evaluated, responses indicate that 33% of respondents are fully immune to hepatitis A and 39% are fully immune to hepatitis B. Higher immunity was tied to higher income, white race, disclosure of sexual orientation and access to healthcare.

CONCLUSION:
The majority of MSM surveyed were susceptible to hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Though respondents reported good access to the healthcare system, they are not receiving vaccination as part of their routine care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the session, participants will understand the dynamics of immunizing MSM against hepatitis A and hepatitis B and have a better understanding of the steps necessary to promote vaccination among their own patient populations.