The Oakland County Health Division will hold two Hepatitis A vaccination clinics next week, specifically for food service workers.
Hepatitis A can be transmitted by consuming food or beverages handled by infected people.
As an ongoing effort to combat the Hepatitis A outbreak, food service workers have been identified as a priority because of the potential for spreading illness to the community.
"I strongly urge all residents, especially food handlers, to get the Hepatitis A vaccine and to wash hands thoroughly," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County.
"Sick food workers are encouraged to stay home from work, seek medical attention and report their illness to their employer."
Vaccination clinics will be open specifically for food workers on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Building 34E, in Pontiac.
- Wednesday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Rd., in Southfield.
The vaccine is also available during regular Health Division clinic hours: noon - 8 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and through some healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Call ahead to ensure your healthcare provider or pharmacy has the vaccine available.
The Hepatitis A vaccine consists of two doses, given six months apart, and costs $36 per adult dose.
While many people can get the vaccination from their healthcare provider or local pharmacy, those without insurance or who cannot get it elsewhere can get vaccinated through the Health Division.
"Managers of food establishments need to encourage their staff to get vaccinated. Failure to take precautionary and preventative measures, such as vaccination, could lead to devastating impacts to businesses in the event of an outbreak," Stafford said.
