Hepatitis A outbreaks spread through person-to-person contact were first identified in the United States in 2016. Since then, over 17 states have been affected by the hepatitis A outbreaks, and more than 15,000 cases, 8,500 (57%) hospitalizations, and 140 deaths have been reported. San Diego was one of the first jurisdictions affected. This outbreak was driven by conditions related to homelessness and injection and non-injection drug use. 

In November 2018, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that all persons aged 1 year and older experiencing homelessness should be routinely immunized against hepatitis A.This recommendation enables protection of this vulnerable population through routine vaccination in facilities already providing health care services for persons experiencing homelessness.


Speakers:
Noele Nelson, MD, PhD, MPH, Medical Epidemiologist, Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Cynthia Jorgensen, DrPH, Team Lead, Communication, Education and Training, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Moderator: Caroline Gumpenberger, MPH, Director of Education, National HCH Council