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
Amy.Lanctot@CVSHealth.com
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SOURCE CVS Health