Free Hep. A Vaccines Offered By North Georgia Health District

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Hepatitis A is a serious illness caused by a virus and it continues to spread in this area. The good news is there is a vaccine for hepatitis A and it is free at health departments in the North Georgia Health District, especially for people who are at high risk for hepatitis A infection.

Drug users are among those at high risk for hepatitis A infection, and family members and friends who do not use drugs but are in close contact to drug users need a vaccination, as well.

Health departments in the North Georgia Health District that offer free hepatitis A vaccine are in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties.

The North Georgia Health District said it started to see an increase in hepatitis A cases in October 2018 so began taking proactive steps to protect those at high risk and prevent the spread of the disease.

"A vaccination campaign was launched among all groups at greatest risk for becoming infected with hepatitis A, which, along with drug users and their close contacts, include persons incarcerated in jails, homeless persons and men who have sex with men," the department said. "Food service workers are also urged to get vaccinated."

Currently, the North Georgia Health District has identified 71 cases of hepatitis A, however, no deaths. Most cases in the district continue to be among the homeless and illicit drug use populations.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A virus is a vaccine preventable disease. Even one dose of the vaccine can prevent the spread of the disease and an outbreak.

Besides a vigorous vaccination campaign, the North Georgia Health District is taking other proactive steps to prevent the spread of hepatitis A, such as:

• Sending information to local healthcare providers on steps they should take to vaccinate individuals at high risk, closely monitor their patient population and report any confirmed or suspected hepatitis A infections to public health.
• Reminding the public we can all protect ourselves from hepatitis A virus by:
  
  • Getting vaccinated through a health care provider.
  • Washing hands with soap and water before eating, drinking or handling food.
  • Buying food or drinks from food trucks or carts with permits from the health department.

For more information about hepatitis A and how to prevent the spread of the hepatitis A virus, visit Hepatitis A: What North Georgians Should Know.