The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a health alert about a Hepatitis A outbreak in August. That outbreak is ongoing. Please see the following provider letter and attached images for more information.

Dear Provider,

On August 1, 2019, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health declared a Hepatitis A outbreak in Philadelphia. The outbreak is heavily concentrated in persons who use drugs and those who are living homeless. Some of the reported cases were in persons who are living with HIV. Similar Hepatitis A outbreaks have been observed across the country. In order to control this outbreak, it will require that 80% of the population at risk for infection to be vaccinated. We are requesting that our HIV providers offer vaccine to anyone at risk for Hepatitis A infection or a serious complication.

We are asking you to:
1. Vaccinate ALL of your patients at risk of acquiring infection, including:

• Persons who use injection or non-injection drugs,
• Persons experiencing homelessness or unstable housing,
• Persons who are or were recently incarcerated, and
• Men who have sex with men.

2. Vaccinate ALL of your patients at risk for serious complications from hepatitis A disease,
including:

• Persons with chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C), and
• Persons with HIV infection.
  
  
  Thank you,
  
  Kathleen A. Brady, MD
  Medical Director/Medical Epidemiologist
  AIDS Activities Coordinating Office
  Philadelphia Department of Public Health