Free Hepatitis A Vaccine

Info from Erie County Department of Health

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is recommending Hepatitis A vaccine to populations determined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to be at particular risk for contracting Hepatitis A (HAV), including men who have sex with men.

HAV is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus with symptoms ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe disease lasting several months. According to the CDC, the disease usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Hepatitis A can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person such as through sex or caring for someone who is ill.

Although there have been no new cases of Hepatitis A recently reported in Erie County, Pennsylvania has had a 300% increase in 2019, when compared to the same time period in the previous 5 years. Multiple states have been experiencing large, ongoing HAV outbreaks, including neighboring states of Ohio and West Virginia.

Given the significant HAV outbreaks seen in other states, there is concern that transmission could rapidly increase in Pennsylvania. Prompt action now can help prevent this from happening. If you are at high risk, schedule an appointment for vaccination with your physician today. The uninsured and underinsured may contact the ECDH Immunization Clinic at (814)-451-6777.