Meigs County Health Department addresses Hepatitis A concerns

POMEROY, Ohio – The Meigs County Health Department has released a statement concerning Hepatitis A.

According to the statement, “there are no known cases of Hepatitis A presently in Meigs County, the Meigs County Health Department has recently become aware of 2 cases of Hepatitis A in Gallia County, one of which is linked to the Gallipolis Arby’s.”

The Meigs County Health Department advises those that ate at the Gallipolis Arby’s between July 11-18, 2018 and have not already been vaccinated for Hepatitis A, the recommendation is that you get the Hepatitis A vaccine within two weeks of the date you ate there.

The Meigs County Health Department has Hepatitis A Vaccine in stock for both adult and pediatric residents. Please note that Hepatitis A is now part of the routine vaccinations for children beginning at age one, so many children are already protected.

For clients who have insurance, please bring your Insurance Card with you to the health department so that coverage can be determined. For private pay clients, the cost to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine is $90. The Meigs County Health Department currently have limited doses of State 317 Vaccine available for those who are uninsured or underinsured, which are given on a first come, first serve basis.

MCHD hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch from 12-1 p.m. It is asked that you arrive before 3:30 p.m. to receive vaccines.

The highest risk populations for acquiring Hepatitis A are: intravenous drug users, illegal drug users (not injected) and men who have sex with men.