WFLA

Where to go to protect yourself against hepatitis A

Tampa Bay is creating almost half of Florida's hepatitis A cases.

New cases are emerge from across the area, with the most recent being the popular Tampa restaurant, Ulele, we're taking a look at how residents can protect themselves in the most effective way.

A recently released report with the Florida Department of Health broke down the Tampa Bay area's 1,037 cases by county.

 


Hepatitis A cases by county

Take a look at how many Hepatitis A cases are coming from the Tampa Bay area. Hover over the bar to see the exact number.

 

Source: Florida Department of Health

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But with all of the Hepatitis A cases across the Tampa Bay area, many are wondering just how effective the vaccination will be to protect them from the potentially fatal disease.

The Florida Department of Health calls vaccinations "the best way to prevent hepatitis A infection."

According to the CDC, the hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that requires two doses for the best protection. 

Generally, children are vaccinated by the age of two, but adults who have not been vaccinated can also get the vaccine.

According to the CDC, there are no known, serious risks to getting hepatitis A vaccine.

Since last month, 96 percent of people with hepatitis A reported never receiving a dose of hepatitis A vaccine, and with the recent outbreak across the Bay area, many residents are heading the warning of health officials to take advanatge of the vaccination. 

Since last October, the number of first doses of hepatitis A vaccine administered by both private providers and county health departments to adults age 18 years and older remained well above the previous 5-year average.

In the week between April 28 and May 4 of this year, 5,273 doses were administered and private locations, such as CVS MinuteClinics, and public Health Department clinics.

Click on the map below to find locations where you can be vaccinated.

 


Where to get vaccines

 

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