Since 2016, more than 23,600 people across 29 states have contracted Hepatitis A, according to Kaiser Health News.
A significant factor in the outbreak is that only 9.5 percent of adults over the age of 19 were vaccinated against Hepatitis A in 2016. One of the most effective ways to stop the disease from spreading is to increase the number of people vaccinated, according to Drug Topics.
Pharmacists can help stop the outbreak of Hepatitis A by ensuring the most vulnerable population is vaccinated. Those most risk of contracting the disease are those with drug addictions, the homeless and people living in crowded areas with limited access to healthcare.
Hepatitis A outbreaks will stop when those most at risk are vaccinated, Monique Foster, MD, told Kaiser Health News.
Read the full report here.
More articles on pharmacy:
Carcinogen concerns prompt Sandoz to halt global distribution of heartburn drug
DEA raids some West Coast Kaiser Permanente pharmacies
California biotech files for bankruptcy
