VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE FOR FREE.

Welcome to the Immunity in the Community initiative by the Louisville Pride Foundation, where we’re not just about celebrating pride—we’re about boosting your health and keeping you protected. We’re here to improve health outcomes and vaccine confidence within our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Our mission is to ensure everyone feels safe, informed, and empowered to make the best choices for their health. Because when it comes to your health, we’re all about giving you the confidence to be bold, sexy, and fully protected.

Why Vaccinate?
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious diseases and maintain overall health. Here are some key vaccines we emphasize and the conditions they prevent. Let’s get you covered from head to toe, and keep you feeling fabulous and frisky!

1. HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus)

Condition Symptoms:

• HPV can cause genital warts and is linked to several cancers including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and may never develop symptoms or health problems from it.

Vaccine Guidelines:

• Recommended for preteens (boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9.
• Catch-up vaccines are recommended for males through age 21 and for females through age 26 if they did not get vaccinated when they were younger.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM) and immunocompromised individuals can receive the vaccine through age 26.

2. Hepatitis A and B Vaccines

Condition Symptoms:

• Hepatitis A symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
• Hepatitis B may present with fever, fatigue, jaundice, joint pain, and can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer.

Vaccine Guidelines:

• Hepatitis A: Two doses, six months apart, recommended for all children at age 1 year and for unvaccinated children aged 2-18 years.
• Hepatitis B: Three doses, recommended for all infants starting at birth. Unvaccinated children and adolescents should complete the series as soon as feasible.

3. Mpox Vaccine

Condition Symptoms:

• Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often beginning on the face and then spreading.

Vaccine Guidelines:

• Recommended for individuals at higher risk, including those with multiple sexual partners, MSM, and healthcare workers handling the virus.
• Typically given as a two-dose series, spaced 28 days apart.

4. Influenza Vaccine (Flu)

Condition Symptoms:

• Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.

Vaccine Guidelines:

• Annual vaccination recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on high-risk groups including pregnant people, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.

5. Meningococcal Vaccine

Condition Symptoms:

• Meningococcal disease can cause bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck. Nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, and confusion can also occur.

Vaccine Guidelines:

• Two doses of MenACWY vaccine are recommended for all adolescents at ages 11-12 years and a booster dose at 16 years.
• MenB vaccines may be given to adolescents and young adults aged 16-23 years, preferably at 16-18 years.

Join Our Community Events

Immunity in the Community leverages the power of community and entertainment to spread awareness and encourage vaccination. Our engaging events include:

• Louisville Pride Festival: Featuring drag performers and Community Health Workers to provide vaccine education.
• Edutainment Events: Regular game nights, book clubs, social groups, and art classes at the Louisville Pride Center with vaccine information booths.
• Vaccine Clinics: Regular clinics at the Pride Center and other community spots, staffed by trusted health professionals and ambassadors.

Be a Health Champion

At each event, our ambassadors, including popular drag performers, will share their vaccine journeys, debunk myths, and provide accurate information in a fun and engaging way. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.