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Mpox Information

Mpox and HIV

Mpox Vaccines

 


Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Shots for People with HIV

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends that people with HIV should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends people who are immunocompromised, including people with advanced or untreated HIV, should receive an additional third dose at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

With the authorization of booster vaccine shots for COVID-19, HHS recommends that people with HIV consider receiving a booster shot after six months of initial vaccination for those who received Pfizer or Moderna, and at least two months after initial vaccination for those who received Johnson & Johnson. People with HIV should talk to their healthcare provider about getting a COVID-19 booster shot.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine location, visit: Vaccines.gov.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit:

Additional HIV-Related Resources

  • HIV and COVID-19 Basics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV, developed by the Guidelines Working Groups of the NIH Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council, is intended for health care providers and people with HIV in the United States.
  • HRSA is working to keep Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program recipients, subrecipients, and partners updated on the latest information regarding COVID-19.  As part of that effort, HRSA's HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) has launched a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) webpage on the HAB website, which HAB is monitoring and updating as new information is made available.
  • NASTAD has compiled a summary of other COVID-19 related resources and updates on a newly launched "Updates and Resources" website.
  • Fact Sheets
    NASTAD has produced fact sheets about Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance policies expanding access to health care for people with HIV and viral hepatitis during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The resources explain policies and protections that can help ensure safe and comprehensive access to health care for people with HIV and viral hepatitis during the ongoing public health crisis, and include frequently asked questions for programs working with clients.

 

Additional STI-Related Resources

  • CDC Guidance and Resources During Disruption of STD Clinical Services. Guidance to STI prevention programs, including STI clinics, on providing effective care and prevention when facility-based services and in-person patient-clinician contact is limited, such as during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
  • National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) COVID-19 Command Center for STD Programs
  • Sex and COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions?
    National Alliance of State and Territorial Aids Directors (NASTAD) has partnered with NCSD to release an FAQ and two accompanying infographics on sex and COVID-19. The FAQ provides detailed information about how sex partners can carry different levels of risk for spreading the COVID-19 virus, as well as safety measures that can lower the potential risk of spreading or acquiring the virus. The two infographics provide quick overviews by separating the information for people who have questions about partners within their home, and partners outside their home.

 


HIV & STI News

National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day | May 19, 2023

National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a day to combat stigma in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. When we reduce HIV stigma and promote prevention, testing, and treatment, we can stop HIV together.

For more information, visit Let's Stop HIV Together.
  

Michigan Pride Survey 2022

The Michigan HIV/AIDS Council (MHAC) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) partnered to survey people at local pride events in 2022. The purpose of the survey was to understand knowledge and utilization of HIV and STI testing in addition to prevention strategies and activities. The Michigan Pride Survey 2022 Infographic provides a high-level overview of the survey results.
  

National Transgender HIV Testing Day | April 18, 2023

National Transgender HIV Testing Day is a day to address the impact of HIV on transgender and nonbinary people and encourage people to get tested – no matter your gender identity. Take care of your sexual health by finding out your HIV status. HIV testing is fast, free, confidential, and can even be done with an HIV self-test.

Learn more: Let's Stop HIV Together
  

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day | April 10, 2023

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a day to talk about the impact of HIV on young people. How we talk about HIV matters. HIV stigma may prevent young people from getting tested, disclosing their status, or seeking care. We can help young people stay healthy by encouraging HIV testing, prevention, and treatment.

For more information, visit Let's Stop HIV Together.
  

STI Awareness Week | April 9-15, 2023

MDHHS encourages Michigan residents to get tested during STI Awareness Week

During Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Awareness Week, April 9-15, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges sexually active Michigan residents to incorporate discussions about sexual health and regular STI testing into their regular health care routine. Find STI testing near you.
  

Do you know the numbers surrounding HIV in Michigan?

Change the numbers. Change your future. Find HIV testing locations and resources.Currently, 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV. In Michigan, it is estimated that 1 in 8 people are unaware of their HIV status. Early detection, intervention, and treatment can reduce the risk of transmission by 93%.

To learn more and find HIV testing locations, please visit Change the numbers. Change your future.

 


Clinical Alerts

Notification of Rapid Rise in Congenital Syphilis

In recent years, rates of primary and secondary (PS) syphilis in women have increased substantially across the United States; 21% from 2019-2020 and 147% between 2016-2020. The data suggest a shift from largely affecting men who have sex with men, to a heterosexual syphilis epidemic. Michigan is following these trends with 21% of PS syphilis cases reported in 2021 occurring among women of childbearing age.

As rates of syphilis in women continue to increase, so do reported cases of congenital syphilis (CS). Rates of CS in the US have increased every year since 2013. Michigan has seen a 320% increase since 2017. In 2021, 42 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in Michigan reaching the highest numbers since the early 1990’s. A pregnant woman can transmit syphilis to her child during any stage of syphilis and any trimester of pregnancy. However, the risk of transmission is highest if the mother has been recently infected.

Syphilis symptoms can present in several stages. The primary syphilis chancre is painless and may not be noted by infected persons, as it resolves even without treatment. Most patients who seek care do so with secondary syphilis symptoms that include a rash, often on the palms and soles, condyloma lata, and lymphadenopathy. Left untreated, syphilis can cause cardiac system abnormalities and neurological symptoms in later stages.

To identify cases early in infection and prevent further transmission, clinicians are requested to follow these recommendations:

  • Test all women who present with other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or have risk factors for STIs.
  • All pregnant women residing in Michigan should be screened for syphilis at their first prenatal appointment and again in the third trimester between 28-32 weeks, as required by State Law.
  • Infants should not be discharged from the hospital, unless the mother has been tested for syphilis at least once during pregnancy and preferably again at delivery.

Treatment for syphilis should be appropriate for the diagnosed stage with one to three shots of benzathine penicillin G, 2.4 million units IM. (see CDC Treatment Guidelines - Syphilis During Pregnancy). Infants born to untreated mothers, or mothers with inadequate treatment (including those treated CDC Treatment Guidelines - Congenital Syphilis).

For more information on congenital syphilis please contact Aleigha Phillips, Congenital Syphilis Coordinator. For other syphilis questions, contact Karen Lightheart, Statewide Provider Liaison.

 

2021 Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. This document provides current evidence-based diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations, and serves as a source of clinical guidance for managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The new guidelines include notable updates from the previous 2015 guidance, including:

  • updated treatment recommendations for chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and pelvic inflammatory disease;
  • updated treatment recommendations for uncomplicated gonorrhea in neonates, children, and other specific clinical situations (e.g., proctitis, epididymitis, sexual assault), which builds on broader treatment changes published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report;
  • information on FDA-cleared diagnostic tests for Mycoplasma genitalium and rectal and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea;
  • expanded risk factors for syphilis testing among pregnant patients;
  • recommended two-step serologic testing for diagnosing genital herpes simplex virus;
  • harmonized recommendations for human papillomavirus vaccination with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; and
  • recommended universal hepatitis C testing in alignment with CDC's 2020 hepatitis C testing recommendations.

 

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

Michigan Public Act 525 of 2014 (MCL 333.5110) authorized the use of expedited partner therapy (EPT) for certain sexually transmitted infections as designated by the state health department. In April 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services designated chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis as infections for which the use of EPT is appropriate.

 


Updates for Bureau of HIV and STI Programs (BHSP) Partners

 

The Bureau of HIV and STI Programs (BHSP) quarterly newsletter and other related updates provide important information about HIV and STIs in Michigan. Below you will find previous issues of the newsletter and other updates for BHSP Partners:

  • MIDASH Vendor Announcement
    BHSP is pleased to announce that our project, the Michigan Integrated Data Application for STI and HIV (MIDASH), has obtained State Administrative Board Approval. BHSP has entered into an agreement with Optum Government Solutions who will be partnering with us on this endeavor. They will start work on the project July 10, 2023.
  • March 2023 Newsletter
    In this newsletter, you will find information about MDHHS Ryan White Program guidance, upcoming training and conference opportunities, options regarding eligibility requirements for Medicaid enrollees, antibiotic resistant gonorrhea, and more.
  • December 2022 Newsletter
    In this newsletter, you will find a letter from the Bureau of HIV and STI Programs Director Katie Macomber.
  • October 2022 Newsletter
    In this newsletter, you will find information about BHSP's pivot to support the Mpox response, Premium Assistance Open Enrollment, school STI screenings recommencing after the COVID hiatus, the 2021 STI Reports and HIV Trends and Prevalence Reports, and more.
  • June 2022 Newsletter
    In this newsletter, you will find information about BHSP and the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council (MHAC) celebrating Pride Month, the latest from the HIV/STI Epidemiologists, information about upcoming HIV/STI trainings and events including registration for the State of Michigan HIV/STI Conference, and more.
  • SHOARS is Live!
    The STI/HIV Operations and Resource System (SHOARS) officially launched on November 29, 2021. SHOARS allows BHSP Partners to engage with the diverse resources of the Bureau of HIV and STI Programs (BHSP). SHOARS improves the relationship between BHSP and BHSP Partners to efficiently provide services for Michiganders who are at risk and/or living with HIV & STIs.
     

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