Hepatitis A Outbreak Prevention and Response

Outbreaks of hepatitis A have been occurring in states across the country since 2016, and they don’t appear to be slowing down.

Since May 2019, Minnesota has seen an increase of hepatitis A cases, which we have now identified as an outbreak. Minnesota's outbreak-associated cases have risk factors consistent with the national outbreaks.

People at high risk in the current outbreaks include:

• People who use injection/non-injection drugs.
• People experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.
• People who are currently or were recently incarcerated.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM).

The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is through vaccination.

As of Friday, Aug. 16

• 24 Cases
• 15 (62%) Hospitalizations
• 0 Deaths

Affected county counts:

• Chisago - 1
• Dakota - 1
• Hennepin - 3
• Kanabec - 3
• Kandiyohi - 1
• Mille Lacs - 3
• Pine – 5
• St. Louis - 4
• Washington - 3

• Hepatitis A Vaccination Guidance for Outbreak Prevention and Response (PDF)
  This guidance is meant to serve as a basic reference for health care providers vaccinating with hepatitis A vaccine for outbreak prevention and response.
  • Appendix A: Vaccination in Correctional Settings (PDF)
  • Appendix B: Field Teams (PDF)

• Hepatitis A Vaccine Screening Form (PDF)
  Screening form to be used when vaccination for outbreak prevention and response.

• Hepatitis A Vaccination Clinic Supply List (PDF)
  List of supplies needed for a hepatitis A vaccination activities.

• Vaccine Protocols
  Get a hepatitis A vaccine protocol template.

• Hepatitis A VIS
  Hepatitis A Vaccine Information Statement available in multiple languages from the Immunization Action Coalition.

• Hepatitis A Information for Health Professionals
  Information on disease facts, clinical and vaccine information, immunization schedules, reporting, and treatment of cases and contacts.

What to know about hepatitis A (PDF) Infographic showing the symptoms, transmission, risk populations, and treatment for hepatitis A.

Protect yourself from hepatitis A (PDF)
Half sheet to promote vaccination during targeted outreach with high-risk populations.

Give the half sheet to patients/clients and mention these key points:

• There is a hepatitis A outbreak in Minnesota.
• Hepatitis A can make people sick for weeks or even months, but there's a vaccine that can protect you.
• Some people are at higher risk, but anyone who wants to be protected from hepatitis A can get vaccinated.
• Then offer vaccine if you have it, or refer the person to their provider or a clinic for free or low-cost vaccine if they don't have insurance.