CLAWSON, Mich. – A day after health officials announced an Oakland County restaurant worker was diagnosed with Hepatitis A, a CVS Pharmacy in Clawson has run out of vaccine to treat the disease.
Staff at the pharmacy on West 14 Mile Road said they had to reorder 10 batches of the vaccine twice. A doctor had told them, "I didn't know we were going to be ground zero for this."
A CVS in Southfield also ran out of its more than 20 vaccines.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday a food service worker at Social Kitchen and Bar in Birmingham was diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Persons who consumed any food or drinks at Social Kitchen and Bar between July 16, 2016, and Aug. 6, 2016, may have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus.
The health department advises anyone who consumed food or beverage at the restaurant between July 27 and Aug. 6 to promptly contact their healthcare provider to receive vaccination.
More: What is Hepatitis A? Doctor explains
From the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:
Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Therefore, those who consumed food or beverage at the restaurant between July 27, 2016, and Aug. 6, 2016, should promptly contact their healthcare provider to receive vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccine may be available at some major pharmacies in Michigan. 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.
Time from exposure to onset of illness (incubation period) is typically 15 to 50 days. Duration of illness typically lasts several weeks to several months. Treatment of Hepatitis A is supportive, and most people will recover without complications.
A patient receives a shot of the Hepatitis A vaccine at a CVS Pharmacy.
How to protect against Hepatitis A:
While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A. Appropriately cooking foods can also help prevent infection.
Anyone who develops symptoms of Hepatitis A infection should stay home and contact their healthcare provider. Please call your local health department if you have any questions or require assistance in locating Hepatitis A vaccine or IG.
- The Oakland Health Division can be reached at 248-848-5533 from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Wayne County Wellness Services Division can be reached at 734-727-7078 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
