Hawaii residents are being encourages to get vaccination against Hepatitis A following the presence of contaminated fish in the market. CVS Health Corp (NYSE:CVS), which is offering the vaccination, says that the imported frozen raw tuna (Ahi) cubes had tested positive for the virus. The vaccines were made available in different locations including Longs Drugs stores and Minute Clinic walk-in medical clinics in Hawaii.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect people from Hepatitis A
CVS Health emphasizes that despite the recall of the contaminated fish, immunization is of the essence in protecting would be victims from contracting Hepatitis A. The vaccination must, however, be given before the lapse of two weeks after exposure to the virus. Chief Medical Officer of MinuteClinic, Dr. Tobias Barker says that nurse practitioners in the 70 Longs Drugs locations should be able to help patients keep tabs on their vaccination clinics.
“Immunizations are an important part of preventive care and a critical way to prevent the spread of serious illness, like Hepatitis A.” Says Barker.
But not everyone will require the immunization
Hepatitis A infection symptoms more often than not appear two to six weeks after exposure. They include yellow skin and eyes, loss of appetite, fever, dark urine, fatigue and abdominal discomfort. The administration of the two doses of vaccine is usually 6 months apart.
However, despite the alarm over the need for vaccination, it is not everyone who will be vaccinated. Those who may have received two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine in a previous circumstance may not need the immunization.
For prevention measure, CVS is encouraging people to embrace good hygiene practices. The most recommended and most obvious include frequent hand-washing with soap and water after a visit to the washroom. Appropriate cooking of food is also a strong preventive measure.
The pharmacy innovation company has to date created close to 9,700 retail locations from where more than one million patients obtain dedicated attention within the year. In the meantime, CVS stock was trading at $79.70 witnessing an increase of $0.70 or 0.89%.
