BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced partner-seeking and sexual behaviors of adults. METHODS: We examined cross-sectional survey data collected at the end of the first year (n = 1161) and second year (n = 1233) of the COVID-19 pandemic by the National Opinion Research Center's nationally representative, probability-based AmeriSpeak panel. Data were analyzed to (1) quantify behavioral changes across pandemic years, (2) examine changes of in-person dating prevalence during year 2, and (3) assess risk perception for acquiring COVID-19 or HIV/STIs through new partnerships during year 2. Weighted percentages were calculated for responses; univariate relationships between demographic characteristics and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of new partners for dating remained stable across pandemic years (year 1: n = 1157 [10%]; year 2: n = 1225 [12%]). The prevalence of in-person sex with new partners was also stable (year 1: n = 1157 [7%], year 2: n = 1225 [6%]), marking a decline from a prepandemic estimate (2015-2016: 16%). Partner-seeking experiences varied by age and sexual identity in both years, and by race/ethnicity during year 2. Reports of in-person dating fluctuated throughout year 2, without clear relationship to viral variants. Respondents who met new partners in person during year 2 generally reported greater concern and preparedness for reducing risks associated with HIV/STIs than COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of US adults seeking new partners for dating or sex remained stable across pandemic years. During future public health emergencies, public health officials are encouraged to offer guidance for reducing disease risks in partnerships, while emphasizing sexual health and providing tailored messaging for persons more susceptible to infection.

INTRODUCTION: There is no licensed vaccine against gonorrhea but Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines, like MenB-4C, may offer cross-protection against gonorrhea. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the published literature on MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea. METHODS: We conducted a literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) to identify peer-reviewed papers, published in English, from 1/1/2013-7/12/2024 that reported MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness estimates against gonorrhea and gonorrhea/chlamydia co-infection, and the duration of MenB-4C vaccine-induced protection. We estimated pooled MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness (≥1 dose) against gonorrhea using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. RESULTS: Eight papers met our eligibility criteria. Receipt of ≥1 dose of MenB-4C vaccine was 23%-47% effective against gonorrhea. Two doses of MenB-4C vaccine were 33-40% effective against gonorrhea and one dose of MenB-4C vaccine was 26% effective. MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea/chlamydia co-infection was mixed with two studies reporting effectiveness estimates of 32% and 44%, and two other studies showing no protective effect. MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea was comparable in people living with HIV (44%) and people not living with HIV (23%-47%). Pooled MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness (≥1 dose) against gonorrhea was 32.4%. One study concluded that MenB-4C vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea may wane approximately 36 months post-vaccination. CONCLUSION: MenB-4C vaccine is moderately effective against gonorrhea in various populations. Prospective clinical trials that assess the efficacy of MenB-4C against gonorrhea, gonorrhea/chlamydia co-infection, and duration of protection are warranted to strengthen this evidence.

There is an unmet need for developing drugs for the treatment of gonorrhea, due to rapidly evolving resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae against antimicrobial drugs used for empiric therapy, an increase in globally reported multidrug resistant cases, and the limited available therapeutic options. Furthermore, few drugs are under development. Development of antimicrobials is hampered by challenges in clinical trial design, limitations of available diagnostics, changes in and varying standards of care, lack of robust animal models, and clinically relevant pharmacodynamic targets. On April 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health co-sponsored a workshop with stakeholders from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies to discuss the challenges and strategies, including potential collaborations and incentives, to facilitate the development of drugs for the treatment of gonorrhea. This article provides a summary of the workshop.

Unprecedented heat waves can affect all persons, but some are more sensitive to the effects of heat, including children and adults with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. Many regions of the United States experienced record-breaking high temperatures in 2023, with populations exposed to extremely high temperatures for prolonged periods. CDC examined emergency department (ED) visits associated with heat-related illness (HRI) from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program and compared daily HRI ED visit rates during the warm-season months (May-September) of 2023 with those during 2018-2022. In the 2023 warm-season months, daily HRI ED visit rates peaked in several regions and remained elevated for a prolonged duration. More males than females sought care in EDs for HRI, especially males aged 18-64 years. CDC issued multiple public health alerts using the Epidemic Information Exchange system to bring attention to increases in ED utilization for HRI. Deaths and illnesses associated with heat exposure are a continuing public health concern as climate change results in longer, hotter, and more frequent episodes of extreme heat. Near real-time monitoring of weather conditions and adverse health outcomes can guide public health practitioners' timing of risk communication and implementation of prevention measures associated with extreme heat.

Though approximately 1.3 million adults identify as transgender in United States (US) [1], | transgender populations remain marginalized and understudied in public health. Epidemiological | studies of health outcomes of transgender populations are infrequent, but available data show | alarming disparities with respect to sexual health between transgender and cisgender populations | [2-4]. Additionally, the few studies examining health, and specifically sexual health, of | transgender populations are often published in specialty journals. This highlights the important | work published by Brown et al. about sexual health of transgender women in this issue of The | Journal of Infectious Diseases. | Brown et al. greatly advance the field of transgender sexual health research by presenting baseline | findings for a multisite prospective cohort study called The Leading Innovation for Transgender | Women’s Health and Empowerment (LITE). Specifically, Brown et al. investigate the prevalence | and factors associated with bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among a communitybased sample of adult transgender women, stratified by HIV status, in six cities across the eastern | and southern US. The study highlights the high prevalence of bacterial STIs among transgender | women (16%) and differences in STI prevalence by HIV status(32% among transgender with HIV | versus 11% without HIV). These findings suggest unique considerations are needed for | transgender women with and without HIV and may help inform tailored interventions to curtail | sexual health inequities. Given the sparsity of robust epidemiologic data to inform best practices for improving the sexual and reproductive health of transgender persons, Brown et al.’s paper is | impactful.

Background HIV partner services can accelerate the use of antiretroviral-based HIV prevention tools (ART and PrEP), but its population impact on long-term HIV incidence reduction is challenging to quantify with traditional PS metrics of partner identified or HIV-screened. Understanding the role of partner services within the portfolio of HIV prevention interventions, including using it to efficiently deliver antiretrovirals, is needed to achieve HIV prevention targets. Methods We used a stochastic network model of HIV/STI transmission for men who have sex with men (MSM), calibrated to surveillance-based estimates in the Atlanta area, a jurisdiction with high HIV burden and suboptimal partner services uptake. Model scenarios varied successful delivery of partner services cascade steps (newly diagnosed "index" patient and partner identification, partner HIV screening, and linkage or reengagement of partners in PrEP or ART care) individually and jointly. Results At current levels observed in Atlanta, removal of HIV partner services had minimal impact on 10-year cumulative HIV incidence, as did improving a single partner services step while holding the others constant. These changes did not sufficiently impact overall PrEP or ART coverage to reduce HIV transmission. If all index patients and partners were identified, maximizing partner HIV screening, partner PrEP provision, partner ART linkage, and partner ART reengagement would avert 6%, 11%, 5%, and 18% of infections, respectively. Realistic improvements in partner identification and service delivery were estimated to avert 2-8% of infections, depending on the combination of improvements. Conclusions Achieving optimal HIV prevention with partner services depends on pairing improvements in index patient and partner identification with maximal delivery of HIV screening, ART, and PrEP to partners if indicated. Improving the identification steps without improvement to antiretroviral service delivery steps, or vice versa, is projected to result in negligible population HIV prevention benefit. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Objectives. To examine the potential impact of contact tracing to identify contacts and prevent mpox transmission among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) as the outbreak expanded. Methods. We assessed contact tracing outcomes from 10 US jurisdictions before and after access to the mpox vaccine was expanded from postexposure prophylaxis for persons with known exposure to include persons at high risk for acquisition (May 17-June 30, 2022, and July 1-31, 2022, respectively). Results. Overall, 1986 mpox cases were reported in MSM from included jurisdictions (240 before expanded vaccine access; 1746 after expanded vaccine access). Most MSM with mpox were interviewed (95.0% before vaccine expansion and 97.0% after vaccine expansion); the proportion who named at least 1 contact decreased during the 2 time periods (74.6% to 38.9%). Conclusions. During the period when mpox cases among MSM increased and vaccine access expanded, contact tracing became less efficient at identifying exposed contacts. Public Health Implications. Contact tracing was more effective at identifying persons exposed to mpox in MSM sexual and social networks when case numbers were low, and it could be used to facilitate vaccine access. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print May 4, 2023:e1-e4. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307301).

Background: Limited surveillance of preconception care (PCC) impedes states' ability to monitor access and provision of quality PCC. In response, we describe PCC indicators and the evaluation process used to identify a set of PCC indicators for state use. Materials and Methods: The Surveillance and Research Workgroup and Clinical Workgroup of the National Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative used a systematic process to identify, evaluate, and prioritize PCC indicators from nationwide public health surveillance systems that Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programs can use for state-level surveillance using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). For each indicator, we assessed target population, prevalence, measurement simplicity, data availability, clinical utility, and whether it was related to the 10 prioritized preconception health indicators. We also assessed relevance to clinical recommendations, Healthy People (HP)2020 objectives, and the National Quality Forum measures. Lastly, we considered input from stakeholders and subject matter experts. Results: Eighty potential PCC indicators were initially identified. After conducting evaluations, obtaining stakeholder input, and consulting with subject matter experts, the list was narrowed to 30 PCC indicators for states to consider using in their MCH programs to inform the need for new strategies and monitor programmatic activities. PRAMS is the data source for 27 of the indicators, and BRFSS is the data source for three indicators. Conclusions: The identification and evaluation of population-based PCC indicators that are available at the state level increase opportunities for state MCH programs to document, monitor, and address PCC in their locales.

In October 2020, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to approve the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older, United States, 2021. Following Emergency Use Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ACIP issued an interim recommendation at its 12 December 2020 emergency meeting for use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in persons aged 16 years or older (1). In addition, ACIP approved an amendment to include COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in the child and adolescent and adult immunization schedules. Following Emergency Use Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ACIP issued an interim recommendation at its 19 December 2020 emergency meeting for use of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in persons aged 18 years or older (2). The 2021 adult immunization schedule, available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html, summarizes ACIP recommendations in 2 tables and accompanying notes (Figure). The full ACIP recommendations for each vaccine are available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html. The 2021 schedule has also been approved by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and by the American College of Physicians (www.acponline.org), the American Academy of Family Physicians (www.aafp.org), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acog.org), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (www.midwife.org), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants

What do we know about the role of kissing in gonorrhea transmission? Evidence suggests that gonorrheatransmission via kissing is possible, but we do not know if it is a relatively rare event or if it is one of the main drivers of gonorrhea transmission.1-3In this issue, Charlesonand colleagues provide a systematic review of studies of kissing as a risk factor for pharyngeal gonorrhea and chlamydia.4This important systematic review serves to summarize and highlight some of the available evidence of kissing as a possible route of gonorrhea and chlamydia transmission. The authors of the review are at the forefront ofthis field of investigation, and many wereco-authors on four5-8of the six studies included

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by itchy wheals and/or angioedema that persist or appear intermittently for at least 6 weeks and can greatly affect quality of life.1,2 CSU is increasingly recognized as an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disorder.3 A high percentage of patients have symptoms resistant to treatment, requiring a step-up/step-down approach to balance clinical response with treatment risk.1,2,4 The prevalence of CSU is estimated at 0.5% to 1% in the United States and European counties and up to 4% to 5% in Asian and South American countries (data from Africa and other regions are lacking); the prevalence is higher among adults than among children and higher among women than among men.1,2,4 Different CSU endotypes have been identified, indicating that heterogenous etiologies underlie a common phenotype associated with mast cell degranulation.2 These include a type I autoallergic endotype and a type IIb autoimmune endotype, with overlap between the 2 groups as well as patients who fit into neither category.2

Background: Chemsex is the intentional use of drugs to enhance sexual activity. Chemsex drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with sexual behaviors that increase sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks and adverse mental health outcomes. However, published data are largely based on MSM recruited from STI clinics. There are limited data about use of chemsex drugs among national samples of MSM in the United States. Using data from the American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS), we assessed the prevalence and correlates of use of chemsex drugs among sexually active MSM in the United States. Methods: We used data from the 2017 to 2020 AMIS cycles to examine the prevalence of chemsex drug use in the past 12 months among MSM. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare chemsex drug use across demographic, behavioral, and mental health factors. Results: Of 30,294 MSM, 3,113 (10.3%) reported chemsex drug use in the past 12 months. Of the 3,113 MSM who reported chemsex drug use, 65.1% reported ecstasy use, 42.5% reported crystal methamphetamine use, and 21.7% reported GHB use. Factors associated with chemsex drug use included condomless anal sex (PR = 1.93, 95%=1.69-2.20), problem drinking (PR = 2.36, 95% = 2.13-2.61), bacterial STI test (1.84, 95% CI = 1.68-2.02) and probable serious mental illness (PR = 1.92, 95% = 1.76-2.09). Conclusion: Chemsex drug use is associated with behaviors that increase STI risk and mental distress among MSM. Health programs that serve MSM can consider screening for chemsex drug use and offering sexual and mental health promotion and risk reduction interventions when necessary.

Observational studies demonstrated 30-40% effectiveness of OMV meningococcal serogroup-B vaccines against gonorrhea. To explore whether healthy vaccinee bias influenced such findings, we examined effectiveness of MenB-FHbp, a non-OMV vaccine that is not protective against gonorrhea. MenB-FHbp was ineffective against gonorrhea. Healthy vaccinee bias likely did not confound earlier studies of OMV vaccines.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to assess COVID-19 beliefs and attitudes and examine COVID-19-related changes in sexual behavior of men who have sex with men during 3 time periods: April-July 2020 (T1), August-December 2020 (T2), January-May 2021 (T3). METHODS: Data were analyzed from 157 men who have sex with men in Ohio recruited to participate in a longitudinal multisite network study of syphilis epidemiology in 3 US cities: Columbus, Ohio; Baltimore, Maryland; and Chicago, Illinois. In April 2020, a COVID-19 module was appended to existing baseline and follow-up surveys to assess beliefs, attitudes, and changes in sexual behavior. Sample characteristics were summarized. Correlations between demographic variables (age, racial identity) and COVID-19 outcomes were examined. RESULTS: In response to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions and self-reported anxiety, some men limited sexual activity at T1, but the majority (n = 105 [67%]) continued to engage in sex. The number of men engaging in sex increased over time (T2: n = 124 [79%]; T3: n = 121 [77%]). At T1, men not in a relationship more frequently reported having less sex compared with prepandemic (n = 39 [57%]). By T3, men in a relationship more frequently reported less sex (n = 32 [54%]). Increased anxiety about sex and condom use was positively correlated with identifying as a man of color (P < 0.001). Most of the sample reported either starting or increasing online sexual activity during each time period. CONCLUSIONS: Future efforts to target sexual health during a pandemic or other health emergencies should prioritize men of color and address the unique perspective of both single and partnered men.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, the rates of primary and secondary syphilis have increased more rapidly among men who have sex with men (MSM) than among any other subpopulation. Rising syphilis rates among MSM reflect changes in both individual behaviors and the role of sexual networks (eg, persons linked directly or indirectly by sexual contact) in the spread of the infection. Decades of research examined how sexual networks influence sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among MSM; however, few longitudinal data sources focusing on syphilis have collected network characteristics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with 3 sites, enrolled a prospective cohort of MSM in 3 US cities to longitudinally study sexual behaviors and STIs, including HIV, for up to 24 months. OBJECTIVE: The Network Epidemiology of Syphilis Transmission (NEST) study aimed to collect data on the factors related to syphilis transmission and acquisition among MSM. METHODS: The NEST study was a prospective cohort study that enrolled 748 MSM in Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; and Columbus, Ohio. NEST recruitment used a combination of convenience sampling, venue-based recruitment, and respondent-driven sampling approaches. At quarterly visits, participants completed a behavioral questionnaire and were tested for syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The participants also provided a list of their sexual partners and described their 3 most recent partners in greater detail. RESULTS: The NEST participants were enrolled in the study from July 2018 to December 2021. At baseline, the mean age of the participants was 31.5 (SD 9.1) years. More than half (396/727. 54.5%) of the participants were non-Hispanic Black, 29.8% (217/727) were non-Hispanic White, and 8.8% (64/727) were Hispanic or Latino. Multiple recruitment strategies across the 3 study locations, including respondent-driven sampling, clinic referrals, flyers, and social media advertisements, strengthened NEST participation. Upon the completion of follow-up visits in March 2022, the mean number of visits per participant was 5.1 (SD 3.2; range 1-9) in Baltimore, 2.2 (SD 1.6; range 1-8) in Chicago, and 7.2 (SD 2.9; range 1-9) in Columbus. Using a community-based participatory research approach, site-specific staff were able to draw upon collaborations with local communities to address stigma concerning STIs, particularly syphilis, among potential NEST participants. Community-led efforts also provided a forum for staff to describe the NEST study objectives and plans for research dissemination to the target audience. Strategies to bolster data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic included telehealth visits (all sites) and adaptation to self-collection of STI specimens (Baltimore only). CONCLUSIONS: Data from NEST will be used to address important questions regarding individual and partnership-based sexual risk behaviors among MSM, with the goal of informing interventions to prevent syphilis in high-burden areas. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/40095.

In December 2021 and early 2022, four medications received emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration for outpatient treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in patients who are at high risk for progressing to severe disease; these included nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) (both oral antivirals), expanded use of remdesivir (Veklury; an intraveneous antiviral), and bebtelovimab (a monoclonal antibody [mAb]).* Reports have documented disparities in mAb treatment by race and ethnicity (1) and in oral antiviral treatment by zip code-level social vulnerability (2); however, limited data are available on racial and ethnic disparities in oral antiviral treatment.(†) Using electronic health record (EHR) data from 692,570 COVID-19 patients aged ≥20 years who sought medical care during January-July 2022, treatment with Paxlovid, Lagevrio, Veklury, and mAbs was assessed by race and ethnicity, overall and among high-risk patient groups. During 2022, the percentage of COVID-19 patients seeking medical care who were treated with Paxlovid increased from 0.6% in January to 20.2% in April and 34.3% in July; the other three medications were used less frequently (0.7%-5.0% in July). During April-July 2022, when Paxlovid use was highest, compared with White patients, Black or African American (Black) patients were prescribed Paxlovid 35.8% less often, multiple or other race patients 24.9% less often, American Indian or Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (AIAN/NHOPI) patients 23.1% less often, and Asian patients 19.4% less often; Hispanic patients were prescribed Paxlovid 29.9% less often than non-Hispanic patients. Racial and ethnic disparities in Paxlovid treatment were generally somewhat higher among patients at high risk for severe COVID-19, including those aged ≥50 years and those who were immunocompromised. The expansion of programs focused on equitable awareness of and access to outpatient COVID-19 treatments, as well as COVID-19 vaccination, including updated bivalent booster doses, can help protect persons most at risk for severe illness and facilitate equitable health outcomes.

BACKGROUND: HIV partner services can accelerate the use of antiretroviral-based HIV prevention tools (ART and PrEP), but its population impact on long-term HIV incidence reduction is challenging to quantify with traditional PS metrics of partner identified or HIV-screened. Understanding the role of partner services within the portfolio of HIV prevention interventions, including using it to efficiently deliver antiretrovirals, is needed to achieve HIV prevention targets. METHODS: We used a stochastic network model of HIV/STI transmission for men who have sex with men (MSM), calibrated to surveillance-based estimates in the Atlanta area, a jurisdiction with high HIV burden and suboptimal partner services uptake. Model scenarios varied successful delivery of partner services cascade steps (newly diagnosed "index" patient and partner identification, partner HIV screening, and linkage or reengagement of partners in PrEP or ART care) individually and jointly. RESULTS: At current levels observed in Atlanta, removal of HIV partner services had minimal impact on 10-year cumulative HIV incidence, as did improving a single partner services step while holding the others constant. These changes did not sufficiently impact overall PrEP or ART coverage to reduce HIV transmission. If all index patients and partners were identified, maximizing partner HIV screening, partner PrEP provision, partner ART linkage, and partner ART reengagement would avert 6%, 11%, 5%, and 18% of infections, respectively. Realistic improvements in partner identification and service delivery were estimated to avert 2-8% of infections, depending on the combination of improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving optimal HIV prevention with partner services depends on pairing improvements in index patient and partner identification with maximal delivery of HIV screening, ART, and PrEP to partners if indicated. Improving the identification steps without improvement to antiretroviral service delivery steps, or vice versa, is projected to result in negligible population HIV prevention benefit.

BACKGROUND: Previous models have estimated the total population attributable fraction of NG/CT on HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM), but this does not represent realistic intervention effects. We estimated the potential impact of screening for NG/CT on downstream incidence of HIV among MSM. METHODS: Using a network model, we estimated the effects of varying coverage levels for STI screening among different priority populations: all sexually active MSM regardless of HIV serostatus, MSM with multiple recent (past 6 months) sex partners regardless of serostatus, MSM without HIV, and MSM with HIV. Under the assumption that all screening events included a urethral test, we also examined the effect of increasing of the proportion of screening events that include rectal screening for NG/CT on HIV incidence. RESULTS: Increasing annual NG/CT screening among sexually active MSM by 60% averted 4.7% of HIV infections over a 10-year period (interquartile range (IQR): 2.3, 7.3). More HIV infections were averted when screening was focused on MSM with multiple recent sex partners: 60% coverage among MSM with multiple recent sex partners averted 9.8% of HIV infections (IQR: 8.1, 11.6). Increased STI screening among MSM without HIV averted more new HIV infections compared to the transmissions averted due to screening MSM with HIV, but fewer NG/CT tests were needed among MSM with HIV to avert a single new HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: NG/CT screening among MSM is expected to lead to modest but clinically relevant reductions in HIV incidence among MSM.

BACKGROUND: Preprints are publicly available manuscripts posted to various servers that have not been peer-reviewed. Although preprints have existed since 1961, they have gained increased popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the need for immediate, relevant information. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the publication rate and impact of preprints included in the CDC COVID-19 Science Update and assess the performance of the COVID-19 Science Update team in selecting impactful preprints. METHODS: All preprints in the first 100 editions (April 1, 2020 - July 30, 2021) of the Science Update were included in the study. Preprints that were not published were categorized as "unpublished preprints". Preprints that were subsequently published exist in two versions (in a peer-reviewed journal and on the original preprint server) which were analyzed separately and referred to as "peer-reviewed preprint" and "original preprint", respectively. Time-to-publish was the time interval between the date on which a preprint was first posted to the date on which it was first available as a peer-reviewed article. Impact was quantified by Altmetric Attention Score and citation count for all available manuscripts on August 6, 2021. Preprints were analyzed by publication status, rate, and time to publication. RESULTS: Among 275 preprints included in the CDC COVID-19 Science Update during the study period, most came from three servers: medRxiv (n=201), bioRxiv (n=41), and SSRN (n=25), with eight coming from other sources. More than half (152 of 275, 55.3%) were eventually published. The median time-to-publish was 2.31 months (IQR 1.38-3.73). When preprints posted in the last 2.31 months were excluded (to account for the time-to-publish), the publication rate was to 67.8%. Seventy-six journals published at least one preprint from the CDC COVID-19 Science Update and 18 journals published at least three. The median Altmetric Attention Score for unpublished preprints (n=123) was 146 (IQR 22-552) and median citation count of 2 (IQR 0-8); for original preprints (n=152) these values were 212 (IQR 22-1164) and 14 (IQR 2-40), respectively; for peer-review preprints, these values were 265 (IQR 29-1896) 19 (IQR 3-101), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prior studies of COVID-19 preprints found publication rates between 5.4% and 21.1%. Preprints included in the CDC COVID-19 Science Update were published at a higher rate than overall COVID-19 preprints, and those that were ultimately published were published within months and received higher attention scores than unpublished preprints. These findings indicate that the Science Update process for selecting preprints appears have done so with high fidelity in terms of their likelihood to be published and impactful. Incorporation of high-quality preprints into the CDC COVID-19 Science Update improves this activity's capacity to inform meaningful public health decision making.

BACKGROUND: Declining antimicrobial susceptibility to current gonorrhoea antibiotic treatment and inadequate treatment options have raised the possibility of untreatable gonorrhoea. New prevention approaches, such as vaccination, are needed. Outer membrane vesicle meningococcal serogroup B vaccines might be protective against gonorrhoea. We evaluated the effectiveness of a serogroup B meningococcal outer membrane vesicle vaccine (MenB-4C) against gonorrhoea in individuals aged 16-23 years in two US cities. METHODS: We identified laboratory-confirmed gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections among individuals aged 16-23 years from sexually transmitted infection surveillance records in New York City and Philadelphia from 2016 to 2018. We linked gonorrhoea and chlamydia case records to immunisation registry records to determine MenB-4C vaccination status at infection, defined as complete vaccination (two MenB-4C doses administered 30-180 days apart), partial vaccination (single MenB-4C vaccine dose), or no vaccination (serogroup B meningococcal vaccine naive). Using log-binomial regression with generalised estimating equations to account for correlations between multiple infections per patient, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% CIs to determine if vaccination was protective against gonorrhoea. We used individual-level data for descriptive analyses and infection-level data for regression analyses. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2016, and Dec 31, 2018, we identified 167 706 infections (18 099 gonococcal infections, 124 876 chlamydial infections, and 24 731 gonococcal and chlamydial co-infections) among 109 737 individuals linked to the immunisation registries. 7692 individuals were vaccinated, of whom 4032 (52·4%) had received one dose, 3596 (46·7%) two doses, and 64 (<1·0%) at least three doses. Compared with no vaccination, complete vaccination series (APR 0·60, 95% CI 0·47-0·77; p<0·0001) and partial vaccination series (0·74, 0·63-0·88; p=0·0012) were protective against gonorrhoea. Complete MenB-4C vaccination series was 40% (95% CI 23-53) effective against gonorrhoea and partial MenB-4C vaccination series was 26% (12-37) effective. INTERPRETATION: MenB-4C vaccination was associated with a reduced gonorrhoea prevalence. MenB-4C could offer cross-protection against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Development of an effective gonococcal vaccine might be feasible with implications for gonorrhoea prevention and control. FUNDING: None.

The relative proportion of cases of P&S syphilis among men who have sex with men and women reported through national case report data from 2010 through 2019 appeared stable overall and stratified by race/ethnicity, region, and age group, but case counts increased.

At its November 2021 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices* (ACIP) approved the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older, United States, 2022. The 2022 adult immunization schedule summarizes ACIP recommendations, including several changes to the cover page, tables, and notes from the 2021 immunization schedule.() In addition, the 2022 adult immunization schedule provides an appendix that lists the contraindications to and precautions for all routinely recommended vaccines in the schedule. This schedule can be found on the CDC immunization schedule website (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules). Health care providers are advised to use the cover page, tables, notes, and appendix together. This adult immunization schedule is recommended by ACIP (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip) and approved by CDC (https://www.cdc.gov), the American College of Physicians (https://www.acponline.org), the American Academy of Family Physicians (https://www.aafp.org), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (https://www.acog.org), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (https://www.midwife.org), the American Academy of Physician Associates (https://www.aapa.org), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (https://www.shea-online.org).

At its November 2021 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices* (ACIP) approved the Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger-United States, 2022. The 2022 child and adolescent immunization schedule, found on the CDC immunization schedule website (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules), summarizes ACIP recommendations, including several changes from the 2021 immunization schedule() on the cover page, tables, and notes. The 2022 child and adolescent schedule also includes a newly created appendix that lists the contraindications and precautions for all vaccine types in the schedule. Health care providers are advised to use the tables, notes, and appendix together. This immunization schedule is recommended by ACIP (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip) and approved by CDC (https://www.cdc.gov), the American Academy of Pediatrics (https://www.aap.org), the American Academy of Family Physicians (https://www.aafp.org), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (http://www.acog.org), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (https://www.midwife.org), the American Academy of Physician Associates (https://www.aapa.org), and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (https://www.napnap.org).

In November 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to approve the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older, United States, 2022. The 2022 adult immunization schedule, available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html, summarizes ACIP recommendations in the cover page, tables, notes, and appendix (Figure). The appendix lists the contraindications and precautions for all routinely recommended vaccines on the adult immunization schedule (Figure). The full ACIP recommendations for each vaccine are available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html. The 2022 schedule has also been approved by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and by the American College of Physicians (www.acponline.org), the American Academy of Family Physicians (www.aafp.org), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acog.org), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (www.midwife.org), the American Academy of Physician Associates (www.aapa.org), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (www.shea-online.org).

BACKGROUND: Syphilis rates have increased substantially over the past decade. Women are an important population due to negative sequalae and adverse maternal outcomes including congenital syphilis. We assessed whether racial and ethnic disparities in primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis among heterosexually active women differ by region and age group. METHODS: We synthesized four national surveys to estimate numbers of heterosexually active women in the United States from 2014 through 2018 by region, race and ethnicity, and age group (18-24, 25-29, 30-44, and ≥ 45 years). We calculated annual P&S syphilis diagnosis rates, assessing disparities with rate differences and rate ratios comparing White, Hispanic, and Black heterosexually active women. RESULTS: Nationally, annual rates were 6.42 and 2.20 times as high among Black and Hispanic than among White heterosexually active women (10.99, 3.77, and 1.71 per 100,000, respectively). Younger women experienced a disproportionate burden of P&S syphilis and the highest disparities. Regionally, the Northeast had the highest Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities using a relative disparity measure (relative rate) and the West had the highest disparities using an absolute disparity measure (rate difference). CONCLUSIONS: To meet the racial and ethnic disparities goals of the Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan, tailored local interventions that address the social and structural factors associated with disparities are needed for different age groups.

Vaccines are safe and effective in protecting individuals and populations against infectious diseases. New vaccines are evaluated by a long-standing, rigorous, and transparent process through the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by which safety and efficacy data are reviewed before authorization and recommendation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to report stark increases in sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates, as many STD programs continue to strategize regarding how to address persistent STD disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.1,2 Sexually transmitted disease disparities are complex and driven by systemic issues, including social determinants such as racism, poverty, inadequate health care access, educational inequalities, and environmental threats.2,3 Many STD prevention efforts focus on individual-level risk factors and individual-level interventions; however, moving more upstream to address social determinants that shape the foundations of society and affect STD disparities is critical.4–6 It is key that STD programs address STD disparities to move the needle in reducing disparities seen among racial and ethnic minority populations who are most impacted by STDs, particularly for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.7

We examined partner-seeking and sexual behaviors among a representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 1,161) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 10% of survey respondents sought a new partner, with age and sexual identity being associated with partner seeking behavior. Approximately 7% of respondents had sex with a new partner, which marks a decrease as compared to a pre-pandemic estimate from 2015 - 2016 in which 16% of U.S. adults reported having sex with a new partner during the past year. Among respondents who had in-person sex with a new partner during the first year of the pandemic, public health guidelines for in-person sexual activity were infrequently followed.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause severe congenital disease when not treated during pregnancy, is on the rise in the United States. Our objective was to identify U.S. counties with elevated risk for emergence of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis among reproductive-aged women. METHODS: Using syphilis case reports, we identified counties with no cases of P&S syphilis among reproductive-aged women in 2017 and ≥ 1 case in 2018. Using county-level syphilis and sociodemographic data, we developed a model to predict counties with emergence of P&S syphilis among women and a risk score to identify counties at elevated risk. RESULTS: Of 2,451 counties with no cases of P&S syphilis among reproductive-aged women in 2017, 345 counties (14.1%) had documented emergence of syphilis in 2018. Emergence was predicted by the county's P&S syphilis rate among men; violent crime rate; proportions of Black, White, Asian, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander persons; urbanicity; presence of a metropolitan area; population size; and having a neighboring county with P&S syphilis among women. A risk score of ≥20 identified 75% of counties with emergence. CONCLUSIONS: Jurisdictions can identify counties at elevated risk for emergence of syphilis in women and tailor prevention efforts. Prevention of syphilis requires multidisciplinary collaboration to address underlying social factors.