Hepatitis A Outbreaks in California Immunization recommended for Californians who are homeless or using drugs July 20, 2017 Managed Care, Public Health, SF Dept of Public Health California, CDPH, Hepatitis A, Public Health 0 On July 13, 2017, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health advisory regarding outbreaks of hepatitis A among persons who are homeless or using illicit drugs and individuals working with these persons. The advisory is posted at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ Immunization/HAV_OutbreakProvider%20Guidance2017July14.pdf. This advisory is directed at healthcare providers and settings that provide services for homeless people or persons using drugs. Increasing the level of hepatitis A immunity in these risk groups will help prevent and control hepatitis A outbreaks. Californians hospitalized or dying from hepatitis A infections have also had chronic liver disease or other co-morbidity. As a reminder to all providers, hepatitis A vaccine also continues to be routinely recommended for all: Persons with chronic liver disease, including those with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) infection Users of injection and noninjection illicit drugs Men who have sex with men Persons traveling to or working in countries that have high or intermediate levels of HAV transmission Children, starting at age 1 year Any person wishing to obtain immunity to HAV Thank you for your efforts to protect Californians from hepatitis A infection. Comments are closed.
