Pasco Offering Free Hepatitis A Vaccines
With the outbreak of the Hepatitis A virus in the state of Florida, Pasco County Health Department has partnered with Winn Dixie to offer free hepatitis A vaccinations.
The vaccinations will take place at the Winn-Dixie on US 19 in Hudson on Saturday, September 21st, from 9am to 1pm. They will also be offering hepatitis C and HIV rapid testing. Results available within 20 minutes.
It’s reported that since 2018, there have been more than 22,000 cases of hepatitis A in the U.S., and more than 2,500 cases in Florida. In November of last year, The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) issued a hepatitis A health advisory, emphasizing awareness and prevention of the disease before it starts through vaccination.
Despite the recent rise in cases, you can protect yourself from the virus and help stop hepatitis A in Florida. Officials say that vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease.
If you are wondering who should be vaccinated, health officials suggest vaccinations for the list below:
• Homeless or your housing is unstable.
• Use illicit recreational drugs—injected or not.
• Want protection (immunity) from the virus.
• Have adopted or care for a child who comes from a country where hepatitis A is common.
• Are 60 or older and have a serious underlying medical condition.
• Have chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or C.
• Have a clotting-factor disorder.
• Have come into direct contact with others who have the virus.
• Are a man who has sex with other men.
• Have traveled to or will travel to countries where the virus is common—visit the CDC’s Traveler’s Health.
For more information on the Hepatitis A virus, symptoms and how to avoid the disease go to Florida Health.gov
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