Philadelphia offers hepatitis A and B vaccines

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Vaccines to help prevent hepatitis A and B are available at pharmacies in Philadelphia, as the Philadelphia Department of Public Health Viral Hepatitis Program aims to eliminate hepatitis B and C in the city.

Hepatitis A, B, and C have been reported as the most common viruses to cause liver disease in the United States. The health department listed the symptoms as fever, nausea, jaundice and abdominal pain. They said hepatitis B and C could cause chronic or permanent illness, including liver cancer or death.

According to the health department, about 5% of Philadelphia residents have been affected by hepatitis A, B or C, but the vaccine can help prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can be spread through as close contact as possible. However, hepatitis B and C are spread through blood and semen, with hepatitis B having the ability to spread through vaginal secretions.

The viral hepatitis program seeks to improve clinical and prevention activities, demonstrate vaccination practices, encourage testing, and reduce transmission to babies during birth.

The health department has recommended practicing safe sex and said to avoid sharing things, like razors and toothbrushes, to protect against these illnesses.

The CDC has also recommended that adults 18 or older get tested for hepatitis B and C at least once.

For more information on preventing hepatitis B and hepatitis C and where to get treated, visit phillyhepatitis.org. To learn more and find out where you can get vaccinated, visit hepcap.org