CVS Health Offering Hepatitis A Vaccine to Hawaii Residents Following Recall of Contaminated Fish

Unvaccinated residents can receive a Hepatitis A vaccine at select Longs Drugs and MinuteClinic locations in the area

Vaccine supplies will be replenished at these locations as needed

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May 03, 2017, 22:38 ET

WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is encouraging unvaccinated Hawaii residents to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine after imported frozen raw tuna (Ahi) cubes distributed on Oahu tested positive for the virus. Longs Drugs stores and MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics in Hawaii currently have vaccines available and are able to administer the immunization to patients to protect against Hepatitis A.

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect people from Hepatitis A and Longs Drugs and MinuteClinic are offering the Hepatitis A vaccine at locations across the state. There are 70 Longs Drugs locations in Hawaii, as well as nine MinuteClinic locations.

"Immunizations are an important part of preventive care and a critical way to prevent the spread of serious illness, like Hepatitis A," said Dr. Tobias Barker, Chief Medical Officer of MinuteClinic. "Our Longs Drugs pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are able to provide vaccinations to Hawaiians who may have been exposed to the virus. They can also help ensure that patients stay up to date on vaccinations in the future."

Hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. People who have had Hepatitis A disease or previously received two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine do not need to be immunized for Hepatitis A again. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection usually appear two to six weeks after exposure and include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes.

Longs Drugs pharmacists can provide the Hepatitis A vaccine to people ages 18 and up. At MinuteClinic, the Hepatitis A vaccine can be provided to children 24 months and older and to adults. It is administered in one primary dose and a second booster dose, usually administered 6 months later. Vaccine supplies will be replenished at these locations as needed. Patients should check with their insurance plans for coverage details prior to their Longs Drugs or MinuteClinic visit.

While vaccination provides the best protection from Hepatitis A, frequent hand-washing with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of the illness. Appropriately cooking foods can also help to prevent infection.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its nearly 9,700 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Contact

CVS Health
Amy Lanctot
(401) 770-2931
[email protected]

SOURCE CVS Health