Free hepatitis A vaccines offered at Seminole County health department

Jan. 17--Central Florida is experiencing a spike in the number of hepatitis A infections, mostly among people who are homeless and use drugs, and to stymie the spread of the disease, local health departments are offering free vaccinations for high-risk individuals.

The hepatitis A vaccine provides lifetime protection. The vaccine is recommended for children, but it's not required, so check your vaccine records.

The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route, so in addition to vaccination, good handwashing after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food is important to prevent infection.

"We continue to educate and encourage at-risk populations to prevent hepatitis infection and get vaccinated through our Hepatitis Prevention Program and community outreach. Local collaborations are essential in reaching the community to help reduce hepatitis A infections," said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, in a news release.

Learn more about hepatitis A signs and symptoms »

The Seminole County health department is offering free hepatitis A vaccinations to high-risk individuals at the following dates:

* Tuesday, January 22 and 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Christian Sharing Center, Inc. located at 600 N. U.S. Highway 17-92, Suite 158, Longwood.

* Wednesday, January 23, and 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Grace and Grits located at First United Methodist Church419 S. Park Ave. Sanford.

* Thursday, January 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Pointe at Merritt Street apartments located at 556 Merritt Morning Way, Altamonte Springs.

* Thursday, January 17, 24, and 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rescue Mission located at 1701 Historic Goldsboro Blvd. Sanford.

* Thursday, January 24 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Shepherd's Hope Health Center located at 600 N. US Highway 17-92, Suite 124, Longwood.

* Thursday, February 21 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Shepherd's Hope Health Center located at 600 N. US Highway 17-92, Suite 124, Longwood.

To find out if you qualify, call the Seminole County health department at 407-665-3243.

To reach the Orange County health department, call 407-723-5054.

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