Vaccine Clinic To Be Open Friday

In an attempt to stop the spread of hepatitis A, the Panhandle Health District is holding a walk-in hepatitis A vaccine clinic from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday.

The vaccine is available for people ages 2 and older. Health officials recommend it for food handlers, child care providers, health care workers and people whose health would be greatly impacted by hepatitis A.

As many as 300 customers of the Riverbend Grill may have been exposed to the disease on the evenings of Jan. 9, 12, 16 and 17. The health district only has a limited supply of immune globulin, the medicine given to prevent hepatitis A after exposure.

While the district has plenty of vaccine, getting vaccinated after being exposed will not necessarily prevent hepatitis A. The vaccine can prevent the disease in the event of future exposure.

The vaccine is given in two doses six months apart. The cost of the vaccine is on a sliding fee scale, from $33 to $44 per dose, depending on income and family size. , DataTimes