ORLANDO, Fla. – Savoy Orlando partnered with the Florida Department of Health on Saturday to offer the meningococcal vaccine in Orlando.

The CDC calls recent deaths from the infection “one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history.”

They recommend men who identify in these categories who live in or travel to Florida get vaccinated against the disease.

“We need to make sure we’re staying safe in the community and being out in public,” said Sayon Tanghal, one of the several people who signed up ahead of time to receive a free vaccine at Savoy. 

For 12 years, Tanghal has called Central Florida his home. The same bar he received a shot in on Saturday is a place he’s worked in before. 

That sense of familiarity and an opportunity to take care of his health made waiting in line for a meningococcal vaccine an easy decision.

“Luckily, Savoy gives us the time and a safe place to have this happen.”

The CDC has confirmed that at least six people have died in Florida from meningococcal disease.

It’s an infection that can cause inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. All deaths reported have been related to gay or bisexual men.

Tanghal was able to get his shot and carry on with his day after a short wait. 

The efficiency and resource is something organizers of the pop-up clinic want to keep going.

“It’s really important that we vaccinate and educate people that we’re here,” explained George Wallace, executive director for The Center Orlando. “We’re available, and it’s at no charge to the community. The events we do are always free,” Wallace continued.

The Center is a local organization that provides health services for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

They partnered with the Florida Department of Health to distribute around 50 vaccines.

Throughout the month, the goal is to have more clinics similar to this one.

“It’s easy. It takes 10 seconds. Why not,” posed Tanghal.