Stop the Spread

Stop the spread of hepatitis A and wash your hands:

• After you use the bathroom—use soap and warm, running water and wash for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill hepatitis A germs.
• After you touch people or public surfaces; change a diaper; cough, sneeze or use a tissue; use tobacco; and eat or drink.
• Before you prepare food or work with food that isn’t already packaged.
• If you are an employer, require employees to use proper sanitation practices for preparing food, and for surface cleaning work areas and public areas like bathrooms.

Get Vaccinated

Hepatitis A vaccination is your best protection against the virus. Most vaccinations come in two doses given six months apart.

FDOH recommends vaccination if you:

• Are homeless or your housing is unstable.
• Use illicit recreational drugs—injected or not.
• Want protection (immunity) from the virus.
• Have adopted or care for a child who comes from a country where hepatitis A is common.
• Are 60 or older and have a serious underlying medical condition.
• Have chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or C.
• Have a clotting-factor disorder.
• Have come into direct contact with others who have the virus.
• Are a man who has sex with other men.
• Have traveled to or will travel to countries where the virus is common—visit the CDC’s Traveler’s Health.

Find a vaccine:

• Talk to your health care provider—ask if hepatitis A vaccine is a good option for you or your family.
• Call a county health department (CHD). See current vaccine costs—ask the CHD if you are eligible for free or low-cost vaccine.
• All commercial insurance plans cover hepatitis A with no co-pay. Medicare Part D and some part B plans cover hepatitis A.
• We are pleased to announce that Medicaid plans now cover the hepatitis A vaccine. Click here to view a full list of the Medicaid plans which now cover the vaccine.
• Use VaccineFinder.org to find vaccine in your area.