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Free Hep A Vaccine Offered Saturday August 3rd at University Area Health Center

By Kevin Watler, P.I.O.

July 30, 2019

Free Hep A Viccine on Saturday

Tampa, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is offering free hepatitis A vaccine to adults on Saturday, August 3, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University Area Health Center. The address is 13601 N. 22nd Street, Tampa FL 33613.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A include:

  • All children at age 1 year
  • People who are experiencing homelessness
  • Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
  • Men who have sexual encounters with other men
  • People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
  • Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
  • People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • People with clotting-factor disorders
  • Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before onset of symptoms to one week afterwards. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms. Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days. Symptoms can include:

  • Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes)
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue/tired
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Pale or clay colored stool

How is Hepatitis A Infection Prevented or Treated?

  • Practicing good hand hygiene - including thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food - plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.
  • Hepatitis A vaccine is the best method of preventing infection.
  • No medicines can cure the disease once symptoms appear.
  • People with hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
  • Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized.
  • Previous infection with hepatitis A provides immunity for the rest of a person's life.
  • People that are exposed to hepatitis A may be given vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.