BACKGROUND:
MSM (Men Who Have Sex with Men) are at high risk for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Community-based clinics serving the LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) community represent an important venue for delivering vaccination to MSM patients and for promoting vaccination community-wide.

OBJECTIVE:
To examine the MSM hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination programs at the nation’s top two LGBTI clinics to track vaccination rates, evaluate methods used to promote vaccination, and identify barriers and facilitators to MSM vaccination

METHOD:
Vaccination data was tracked back to the beginning of 2000. Promotional materials were gathered and examined. Provider education was evaluated, as was outreach and training to promote vaccination at venues outside of the clinic. Pricing was tracked and the importance of partnerships with departments of public health and other community-based organizations was evaluated.

RESULT:
Both programs delivered substantial numbers of vaccinations: over 300 in the best month in NY and over 200 in the best month in Chicago. Standing orders and provider training are vital for the success of the program. Advertising and promotion is useful; outreach by health educators can also be important. Pricing and clinic hours directly affect traffic. Outreach to providers delivering care to MSM outside the clinic is a difficult goal to accomplish.

CONCLUSION:
A long-term vaccination program at an LGBTI community clinic can be successful in raising the vaccination rates among the patient base, and a vaccination program can bring new community members into the clinic. A successful LGBTI community clinic program can serve as a model program for STD and other immunization clinics.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the session, participants will understand the factors which lead to success in an LGBTI community-based clinic vaccination program, and the importance of standing orders, provider training, outreach and promotion, and partnerships outside the clinic.