I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) for its timely and appropriate response to the recent cluster of invasive meningococcal disease that occurred among gay and bisexual men on Chicago's North Side.
In collaboration with Chicago's gay community and the Illinois Department of Public Health, CDPH staff provided more than 14,000 doses of meningococcal vaccine to persons determined to be at increased risk for this infection. CDPH staff began administering meningococcal vaccine the same afternoon that laboratory results became available indicating a need for a vaccination campaign. The vaccine was made available at five different locations and included both evening and weekend hours.
The CDPH took a responsible and accommodating approach by offering vaccine to persons who met the exposure criteria regardless of the location of their residence. This service was appreciated by public health partners in surrounding communities and had a positive impact on the health and well being of those involved.
The citizens of the City of Chicago should be proud of its public health department for the actions it took to protect of the public's health during this disease outbreak.
Eric E. Whitaker, M.D., M.P.H.
Director of Public Health
Illinois Dept. of Public Health