What is Hepatitis A?

• Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, communicable disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A is a self-limited disease that does not result in chronic infection. Most adults with hepatitis A have symptoms, including fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice, that usually resolve within 2 months of infection; most children less than 6 years of age do not have symptoms or have an unrecognized infection. The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated.

 

Who is required to get the vaccination under Commission Order 2019-323?

• All food handlers in Franklin County will need to be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

• Food Handler is defined as - a person who is employed by any person or entity in any capacity which requires the preparation, handling or touching of any food (except uncut produce), utensils, serving items or kitchen or serving area surfaces or materials, in a place where food that is intended for individual service and consumption is routinely provided completely prepared, regardless of whether consumption is on or off the premises and regardless of whether there is a charge for the food. Such places include restaurants, hospital cafeterias, school and nursing home kitchens, day care facilities, residential group homes, caterers, banquet facilities, coffee shops, cafeterias, short order cafes, luncheonettes, taverns, sandwich stands, soda fountains, food vending carts and all other eating or drinking establishments, as well as kitchens, commissaries or other places in which food or drink is prepared for individual sale elsewhere. The term does not include a private home where food is prepared for noncommercial home use, and it does not include the location of food vending machines.

 

How soon do I need to be vaccinated?

• Employees have ninety (90) days from the date of passage on July 30, 2019 to obtain dose number one. Dose number two will be due six months later.

 

Is Hepatitis A required to attend school in Missouri?

• No it is not. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for those 12 months and up but it is not required to attend school in Missouri. Many parents do choose to get their children vaccinated so if you are unsure ask your healthcare provider to check your records.

 

What if I have already been vaccinated?

• If you believe you have been vaccinated you should contact your doctor, health clinic or previous employer for a copy of your record. If you have a record of both doses of Hepatitis A vaccine just submit that to your employer. You do not need to be revaccinated.

• If you cannot find a record but believe you have been vaccinated the health department can look you up in the state immunization database called Show Me Vax. Show Me Vax is a great tool if your provider put your immunization records into the system. It is always best to check with your provider first and utilize Show Me Vax as a last resort. Record look up must be done on a walk in basis. We cannot give this information out over the phone due to privacy guidelines. Copies will be provided if available for a fee of $.10 per copy.

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Are the shots safe?

• With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Most people who get hepatitis A vaccine do not have any problems with it. Visit https://www.cdc.gov or talk to your doctor for more information.

 

How effective is it?

• The vaccine for hepatitis A, which has been available since 1996, is very effective in controlling hepatitis A.

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Will anyone be exempted from getting the vaccination?

• Requirements of this section shall not apply to women while they are pregnant, nor because of medical contraindications that are verified in writing by a duly licensed physician. A food handler may decline to be vaccinated pursuant to this order; however, if a food handler declines to be vaccinated, he/she shall be restricted from working with exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.

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Do new employees have to be vaccinated before they can start work?

• All employees need to have the first dose ninety days from the passage of this order on July 30, 2019. Any new hires after that time will be given a two week grace period from the start of employment for the person to certify either immunity or vaccination.

 

Where can people go to get vaccinated?

• Individuals may go to their own health care providers or contact the Franklin County Health Department for an appointment. The health department is planning to host several mass vaccination clinics to assist those that need to be vaccinated. The dates of the clinics will be posted on the health department Facebook page and on the county website at Franklinmo.org (go to department, go to health) as soon as they are scheduled. We will conduct these clinics on a walk in, first come, first serve basis.

 

Who will pay for it? How much does it cost?

• The ordinance does NOT specify who should pay; that is up to the individual and his or her employer.

• For those that are insured it is encouraged that you call your insurance company to confirm coverage. Not all vaccines are covered. Individuals that are uninsured, underinsured (insurance will not cover) or those that meet eligibility guidelines the health department can provide the vaccine for $20.00 while supplies last. The health department has the ability to bill most insurance companies. We also have a cash pay option for those that may not want to use insurance or come in after doses are no longer available for $20.00. Cost will vary based on vaccine type available from the manufacturer at time of order. As of July 31, 2019 purchased vaccine price for children 12mo-18 years is $54.00. Adults 19 yo and up is $80.00.

 

Do Volunteers need to be vaccinated before working food stands or temporary events?

• No. Only employed food handlers need to be vaccinated. This includes volunteers at festivals, fairs and ball parks. Temporary events and temporary food stands that operate less than 15 days a year are also exempt from the requirement of vaccination. If you are employed at a Temporary food stand that operates more than 15 days a calendar year you will need to be vaccinated.