Indiana Students Now Required to Prove Hepatitis A Immunization

Since November 2017, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has been investigating an outbreak of acute hepatitis A virus (HAV). 

There have been 8 outbreaks of the virus in Elkhart County and 6 in Kosciusko County since November 2017.

As of August 3rd, these outbreaks have resulted in 334 reported hepatitis A cases, 149 hospitalizations and 1 death.

Since hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease, the ISDH has expanded its vaccination requirements for students.

On August 6, 2018, the ISDH reminded parents that school immunization requirements have changed for the 2018-19 school year.

For the 2018/19 academic year, 2 doses of the hepatitis A vaccine are now required for grades K-4, 6 and 12.

“It’s important to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date, not only to prevent disease now but to ensure good health into the future,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, MD, FACOG.

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The nationwide hepatitis A outbreak began in Michigan during 2016.

Currently, the states of Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia are reporting widespread hepatitis A outbreaks

Most pharmacies in the USA offer hepatitis vaccines. To request a vaccination appointment, please visit this page.

The CDC Vaccine Price List displays current HAV vaccine contract prices and general information.

And, vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.