Hepatitis A Vaccine Available for People At-risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2018
Contact
Contact: Candi Crause
Director of Infectious Disease
(217) 531-5372 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Hepatitis A Vaccine Available for People At-risk
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Currently Offering Hepatitis A Vaccine
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is offering hepatitis A vaccine to people at the greatest risk of becoming infected in our community. Although there are currently no outbreaks in Illinois, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported hepatitis A outbreaks in states across the county, including neighboring states.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is usually spread from person-to-person through contaminated food or water. According to the CDC, the major risk factors associated with the recent outbreaks include drug use (injection and noninjections), homelessness, or both.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is offering individuals at highest risk of acquiring infection (e.g., people who use injection/non-injection drugs, men who have sex with men (MSM), persons who are homeless, people who have been recently incarcerated, and people with chronic liver disease) free hepatitis A vaccinations. Vaccines will be promoted in the CUPHD Sexual Health clinics with MSM and people who use injection drugs and through the harm reduction project. Hepatitis A vaccines will also be provided during outreach services at the Champaign County Jail and the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.
Persons who do not qualify for the free Hepatitis A vaccine can still receive it at local pharmacies or health care providers. CUPHD also has a limited amount of Hepatitis A vaccine for the general public at a cost of $147, dependent upon income. Medicaid and private insurance is accepted as payment.
For more information about hepatitis A, go to the IDPH website or to https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HAV/index.htm.
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