If these youths are already infected, they may possibly have a chance to infect others. If they are not infected yet, once again, they are at potential risk for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. CDC and its partners are exploring ways in corrections settings to help protect young people from getting viral hepatitis. Vaccination programs and prevention guidelines are at the heart of this effort. Affordable Vaccines Available Immunizing incarcerated youth helps to slow the spread of hepatitis A and hepatitis B both inside and outside institutional walls. Yet vaccines can be expensive and are often unavailable to some correctional institutions.
Program can help solve the cost problem.
The VFC program, which includes both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines, provides vaccines free of charge to eligible children. Check out the VFC Web site below for specifics. At a recent meeting sponsored by the CDC Hepatitis Branch, consultants from U.S. correctional settings and public health agencies discussed ways to reduce the spread of viral hepatitis. However, the meeting s most important result is the upcoming publication of guidelines for preventing viral hepatitis in correctional settings. These guidelines represent the combined efforts of corrections and public health professionals.