Free Hepatitis (ABC) Testing and Vaccines Available June 25

June 15th, 2009

For immediate release

Free Hepatitis B & C Testing and Vaccines (Hepatitis A and/or B) Available June 25

Who: The Louisiana Public Health Institute, Louisiana Community AIDS Partnership and DHHs Office of Public Health with funding provided by Roche Pharmaceuticals

What: Free hepatitis testing and vaccines. Assistance finding treatment options and resources for those who test positive will be available.

When: Thursday, June 25, 2009, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where:

NO/AIDS Task Force
2601 Tulane Avenue, 5th floor
New Orleans, LA 70119

BRBAC Metro Health Organization
950 East Washington Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

4000 Gus Young Ave.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806

Philadelphia Center
2020 Centenary Blvd.
Shreveport, LA 71104

Why: Hepatitis A is an acute infection and people usually improve without treatment. Hepatitis A is contracted/transmitted through the fecal/oral route. There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B can cause a chronic, persistent infection, which can lead to chronic liver disease. Hepatitis B is contracted/transmitted like HIV, through blood and bodily fluid. There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C can cause a chronic, persistent infection, which can lead to chronic liver disease. Hepatitis C is contracted/transmitted through blood. There is not a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

1 in 4 Louisiana citizens will contract some form of Hepatitis (A, B or C) in their lifetime.