King's Daughters, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital work together to educate about Hepatitis A

Due to the increase of potential exposures to hepatitis A, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital and King’s Daughters are working together to educate the community about the availability of vaccine and important facts related to the disease. Hepatitis A is a preventable disease and the best way to prevent it is by being vaccinated. OLBH and King’s Daughters are working to increase the supply of vaccine to our communities.

Availability of vaccine

• Vaccine is arriving in our community each day and is being distributed as quickly as possible. Primary care providers, including local family care centers and pharmacies will have supplies as they become available.
• It is important to note it is a two-dose vaccine. A second dose is administered six months after the initial dose.
• Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers do not carry the Hep A vaccine.
• Many commercial insurers cover the cost of the vaccine. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the cost. Self-pay options vary by location.
• County health departments also have the vaccine available for the uninsured or underinsured.
• It is recommended you contact your local primary care provider to see if they carry the vaccine. You may also contact OLBH’s Careline at (606) 833-CARE (2273) or King’s Daughters Care 24/7 team at (606)-408-8999 to check vaccine availability and to schedule an appointment.

Both Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital and King’s Daughters will continue to update availability through their 24/7 care lines and Facebook pages.

Important facts:

• Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is usually transmitted person-to-person through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
• Hepatitis A is a virus that does not result in prolonged infection. Most people who get hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but they usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. It is rare for cases to have more serious outcomes.
• The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated.
• The Kentucky Department of Public Health is recommending hepatitis A vaccinations for everyone residing in six counties in Kentucky where outbreak of the illness has occurred. The affected counties in our service area are Boyd, Carter and Greenup. Jefferson, Bullitt and Hardin counties are also listed.

More information is available on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website: cdc.gov.