News release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:
Vaccine clinic hours changed for Sunday
(June 1, 2013) – Hours for the special hepatitis A vaccination clinic for Sunday June 2 have been changed to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health is providing the vaccine free of charge at the Southwest Allen County Schools Transportation Center at 4814 Homestead Road, near Aboite Elementary School. This is a drive-thru clinic.
The clinic is scheduled until 8 p.m. today. If severe weather occurs today or Sunday, the clinic may close or the safety of staff and the public.
“We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding through the process and to remember that during emergency response events like this one it is not business as usual,” says Health Commissioner Deborah McMahan, MD.
Any person who needs the vaccination but could not make it to the free clinics this weekend is encouraged to call the Department of Health at (260) 449-7514 during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and make an appointment. The department’s immunization clinic is at 4813 New Haven Avenue. The vaccine is free.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver, causing fever, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). It is spread through exposure to the fecal matter of an infected person, either through close person-to-person contact or through contaminated food or water.
The Department of Health was notified Friday of a positive hepatitis A case in a food worker at 800 degrees Three Fires at 5125 Illinois Road,. None of the other employees have hepatitis A symptoms, and so far, no other cases have been identified. This only pertains to the Illinois Road store and not to other 800 Degree Three Fires locations.
Patrons who dined or had carry-out from the restaurant between May 18 and May 26, 2013 may have been exposed and are urged to get the vaccination as a precaution. While the risk is low, it is still a risk. Patrons who ate at the restaurant in the days prior to May 18, 2013 will not benefit from the vaccination, but should monitor themselves for symptoms of hepatitis A. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
There is a public health information line at (260) 449-4499. Callers will hear a recorded message.
For more information, visit www.allencountyhealth.com. You can also check for updates on Facebook and Twitter.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus which is found in the stool (bowel movement) of an infected person. It is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces, or stool, of an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea and jaundice. A person can transmit the virus up to 14 days before symptoms appear. There is no treatment for Hepatitis A but a vaccination can provide protection if given within 14 days of exposure to the virus.
Directions to Vaccination Center
To receive the hepatitis A vaccination, go to the Southwest Allen County Schools Transportation Building at 4814 Homestead Road.
From the North
- Take I-69 S toward I-469/Fort Wayne
- Merge onto U.S.-24 W via Exit 102 (toward Huntington)
- Turn right on Liberty Mills Road
- Turn right on Homestead Road
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From the South
- Take I-469 W/U.S.-24W/U.S. 33 N
- Take the Lower Huntington Road Exit 99 (toward Airport Expressway)
- Turn left on Lower Huntington Road
- Turn right on Homestead Road
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From the East
- Take I-469 S/U.S.-24W
- Merge onto I-69 N/U.S.-24W/U.S.33 S via Exit 0B (toward Fort Wayne)
- Take Lower Huntington Road Exit 99 (toward Airport Expressway)
- Turn left on Lower Huntington Road
- Turn right on Homestead Road
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From the West
- Go east on Illinois Road
- Turn right on Scott Road
- Turn right on Covington Road
- Turn left on Homestead Road
Printable copy of directions to Vaccination Clinic.
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