Meningitis Vaccine

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A line of largely gay men lined up outside of a West Hollywood pharmacy Monday to get vaccinated. However, don't be fooled. They are not the only ones who should be concerned.

The new meningitis shot is being offered just days after a local Southern California man died from the disease. Since 2010, at least 22 men in New York City contracted the disease, four of which happened this year, and seven have died.

But the disease is not just affecting gay men. There are young children at risk of the disease in schools right now.

Jed Kenslea, the Director of Aids Healthcare Foundation, said, "This incident in West Hollywood could be just a sporadic event. We will not know if there is a correlation between this case in West Hollywood and what is an outbreak in New York City until a few weeks from now."

The vaccine is being offered in three different locations in West Hollywood, Central Hollywood, and East Hollywood. Anyone who belives they are at risk is encouraged to get a vaccine.

"We just think it's prudent public health outreach to offer this for free to people who feel like they might have had risk of exposure."

The line outside the pharmacy is wrapped around the door and dangling in the street. Judging by the line, it is evident that dozens of people are taking advantage of the shot. Some people have waited for over two hours in line. Tom Bailey was one of the many people who came to get the vaccine today.

"People are just trying to take care of themselves. They heard about the outbreak, you know and it's a free clinic and injection, so it's great that they've been able to do this for everyone."

Health Officials expect the vaccine to lower the incidents in meningitis.