June 3, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Meningitis Outbreak Causes AIDS Healthcare Foundation to Encourage Gay and Bisexual Men to Vaccinate

In the latest step against Southern California’s meningitis outbreak, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation will unveil a new billboard campaign today that urges gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated.

AHF’s billboard campaign, with the provocative headline “Just a Prick,” features a close-up photo of someone getting a vaccine shot. The URL “www.freeMeningitisVAX.org” appears beneath the headline on the right side of the billboard.

Billboards are going up at Vine Street and Santa Monica Boulevard; Sunset Boulevard and Van Ness; Sunset and Cahuenga; and Hollywood Boulevard and Hillhurst Avenue.

Top health officials in the Southland have urged all gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated against meningitis, regardless of their risk profile.

Nineteen cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been diagnosed in Los Angeles County this year, including six in Long Beach. Pasadena, which also has its own health department, has not seen any cases this year.

Given the total number of cases here and in other jurisdictions, the state has declared an outbreak.

Previously, health officials had recommended vaccination for gay and bisexual men “who regularly have close or intimate contact with multiple partners or who seek partners through digital applications, particularly those who share cigarettes/marijuana or use illegal drugs.”

Meningitis vaccinations are also recommended for all HIV-infected people.

Free vaccinations are available at public health clinics for those at high risk, regardless of health insurance status.

AHF will offer free meningitis vaccines at all four of its Southern California AHF Wellness Centers (Hollywood, Long Beach, San Fernando Valley and West Adams) as well as at three AHF Pharmacy sites (Long Beach, Sunset Blvd. and West Hollywood). It will also offer the vaccine at the Clinica Bienestar in East Los Angeles.

Health officials said people can also help prevent the spread of the disease by not sharing drinks, utensils, food, toothbrushes, cigarettes, cigars or pipes; and not having multiple kissing partners.

Meningococcal diseases is a rare, but serious disease. The illness that most people are familiar with is meningitis. It can start with flu-like symptoms, then progress to high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion and rash. People who experience these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

The disease is fatal in about one in 10 patients.

More information can be found at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Related Posts

Massive Fire Engulfs Auto Shop, Shuts Down 10 Freeway Eastbound Lanes

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Explosions, Thick Smoke, and Downed Power Lines Disrupt Traffic in Palms A fast-moving fire broke out Sunday behind a commercial...

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Actress Cameron Diaz Slashes Price on Beverly Crest Estate to $16.5 Million

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Modern Farmhouse in Beverly Crest Returns to Market with Lower Price Tag Cameron Diaz has reduced the asking price of...

Chin Chin to Close West Hollywood Location After 45 Years of Service

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Iconic Sunset Plaza Restaurant Announces Final Day of Operations Chin Chin, the iconic Chinese eatery that has been a fixture...

LACMA’s $700M David Geffen Galleries to Open in 2026

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

New Structure Will Replace Original Midcentury Buildings Construction crews are entering the final stretch on the David Geffen Galleries, a...

Criterion Mobile Closet Arrives in L.A. for Two-Day Stop at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

More Than 1,000 Classic Titles June 6–7 During American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week  Following its successful appearances at SXSW and Vidiots...

Lane Closures Return to PCH in Malibu for Fire Recovery and Emergency Repairs

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Traffic Will Be Impacted as Caltrans and the USACE Conduct Cleanup  The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced updated...

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

WeHo Pride Weekend Begins and 2025 Icons Announced: Parades, Concerts, and Community Celebration Kicks Off

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Three-Day LGBTQ+ Festival Features Performances by Lizzo, Maren Morris, and Kim Petras West Hollywood is preparing to kick off its...

Where to Find Convenient Parking for WeHo Pride Weekend Festivities For a Reasonable Price

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Pride Celebrants Can Choose From Self-Parking, Valet Service, EV Charging As the city gears up for Pride weekend, the Beverly...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

Bel Air Seventh Grader Reaches Finals of Scripps National Spelling Bee

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Oliver Halkett of Mirman School Competed on Thursday for a $50,000 prize Thirteen-year-old Oliver Halkett, a seventh grader from Mirman...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/k0452YE9UA pic.twitter.com/wGolXdzlJA — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) May 30,...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist...