Raising awareness globally for hepatitis prevention

Today is World Hepatitis Day.  This global health awareness event is held annually on July 28th, the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925-2011). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, Dr. Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and two years later developed the first hepatitis B vaccine and for these achievements won the Nobel Prize.

Viral hepatitis is caused by infection of one of five viruses – hepatitis A, B, C, D or E. All hepatitis viruses can cause inflammation of the liver, and chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis is a major global health threat with around 240 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and up to 150 million people living with chronic hepatitis C.

In order to raise awareness of this hidden epidemic, the World Health Assembly and the President of the United States have designated July 28th as World Hepatitis Day.

Organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC, use World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness of the problem and what needs to be done to strengthen efforts in prevention, screening and control of viral hepatitis.

To learn more, read the press release issued today by WHO.

Colorado VNA is proud to be able to offer hepatitis vaccinations year-round via our Wellness Division.  To inquire how we can come to you to administer a workplace or community-based organization wellness clinic with seasonal flu shots, TB tests, biometrics screenings and of course, Hep B or Hep A & B vaccinations, click here.  To speak with a member of our Wellness team and to discuss pricing, call 303-698-6517.