RENO COUNTY - Due to the recent upswing in Hepatitis A cases in Reno County, KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) is bringing a mobile lab to Hutchinson to assist with vaccinations. They will be administering the Hepatitis A vaccine as well as the Johnson & Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccine. There will also be rapid testing available for COVID-19. All services are FREE and confidential, and no appointment is needed.
The mobile lab will be set up behind Planet Fitness, 401 East 4th Ave., from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the next four Mondays (April 12, 19, 26 and May 3). If participation is low, they may move the location at a later date. If the location is moved, they will post the information online.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A Virus (HAV). The hepatitis A virus is found in fecal matter and blood of those infected. The virus is usually spread through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. Common symptoms of the disease include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and fever. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to be vaccinated with the full, two-dose series.
For those wanting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, there are also still appointments available for the Wednesday, April 14th clinic at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The Reno County Health Department has 1,000 doses available for ages 18 and over. Register online.