West Virginia First Responders Get Free Hepatitis A Vaccine

Uninsured and underinsured first responders in West Virginia will be able to access free hepatitis A vaccines.

The Exponent Telegram reports that the new West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Threat Preparedness will provide the free vaccines amid the state’s recent outbreak.

Kavin Richardson of the Harrison-Clarksburg Health Department says first responders often come into contract with people at a higher risk for contracting the disease, like drug users.

The virus is primarily spread through consumption of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person.

Not all counties have determined the date the vaccines will be available, but qualified individuals in Harrison County can receive the vaccine starting Thursday.