If you were among the San Diego County residents to receive a hepatitis A vaccine before December 1, 2017, it’s time for your second dose of vaccine.
The County’s Health and Human Services Agency is hosting a free hepatitis A vaccination event on Thursday, June 21, at the East Region Public Health Center, 367 N. Magnolia Ave. from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Food handlers are especially encouraged to attend and get vaccinated. Food handlers include anyone whose work involves preparing, handling, cooking, or serving food.
Although the first dose of the vaccine is considered to be around 95 percent effective, that protection will eventually begin to decrease. A second shot boosts immunity for between 20 and 40 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Over the past 16 months, over 150,000 first doses and 18,000 second doses of vaccine have been given in San Diego. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as a two-dose series, with the second dose to be given a minimum of six months after the first to complete the series and assure long-term protection.
Regardless of where you received your first vaccination, you can receive the second dose from a County-sponsored vaccination event, your regular health care provider or pharmacy, or you may also go to a Public Health Center.
To find a Public Health Center or Community Health Center close to you, please call 2-1-1 San Diego. Visit the HHSA hepatitis website for more information.
Photo Credit: SD County