Rome Memorial Hospital to host free drivethrough Hepatitis A vaccination clinic

ROME, N.Y. » People will be able to receive a Hepatitis A vaccination during a drive-thru event hosted Thursday afternoon.

In collaboration with the New York State Department of Health and the Oneida County Health Department, Rome Memorial Hospital will conduct a drivethrough Hepatitis A vaccination clinic from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Chestnut Commons, 107 E. Chestnut St., Rome. No appointment is required.

An employee of Laroma’s Pizzeria on 600 Floyd Ave. in Rome, who tested positive for Hepatitis A, worked while infectious and may have exposed people who consumed take-out food from the restaurant, according to the Oneida County Health Department.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is effective if given within two weeks of exposure, officials noted.

Those who ate food prepared by the restaurant between April 27 and May 4 must receive preventative treatment within 14 days of exposure.

The vaccine is also available through the Oneida County Health Department. Call 315798-5747 and press 1 to make an appointment at the health department clinic.

Anyone who doesn’t receive the post-exposure vaccine within the 14-day window should monitor themselves for symptoms.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms include yellow skin or eyes, not wanting to eat, upset stomach, stomach pain, throwing up, fever, dark urine or lightcolored stools, joint pain, diarrhea, feeling tired.

“Because of the critical time window for individuals to receive preventative treatment, we are offering the drive-through clinic to increase access to the Hepatitis A vaccine to prevent a widespread community outbreak,” said Rome Memorial Hospital Director of Infection Prevention Emma Ingalls, RN.

The New York State Department of Health Bureau of Immunization provided the publicly purchased vaccine, which will be administered by hospital staff, as part of its public health emergency response and preparedness activities.

People who get hepatitis A may feel sick for a few weeks to several months but usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. Symptoms commonly appear within 28 days of exposure, with a range of 15 to 50 days.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is spread by consuming food or drinks or by using utensils that have been handled by an infected person. It can also be spread from close, personal contact with an infected person. Casual contact, such as sitting together, does not spread the virus.

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact your health care provider or the OCHD.