Newsletter Details

                        Dear P.A.M.P.A families:

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to such symptoms as nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The virus is found in the stool of infected persons and is usually transmitted to others who put something in their mouths that has been contaminated by infected stool. Most often, the contamination is not evident. Thus, hand washing is crucial to the prevention of hepatitis A.  One should always wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food.

Another level of protection from infection is by way of immunization with hepatitis A vaccine.  It is a two dose vaccine, the second dose of which is recommended 6 to 18 months after the first.  It has proven effective in decreasing the spread of hepatitis A. 

We now offer the hepatitis A vaccine to our patients aged 12 months and up, in accordance with the recommendations of the AAP and the CDC.  This routine immunization also coincides with new immunization rules for children enrolled in child care facilities as of July 1, 2007.  

Please contact one of our offices to inquire about how your child can receive this vaccination.

The providers and staff of P.A.M.P.A