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Hepatitis Program

Florida Department of Health in Pasco County

Hepatitis 

Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by one or more viruses. The most common hepatitis viruses in the United States are:

The goal of the Hepatitis Program is to reduce hepatitis among residents and visitors of Pasco County. The program provides free hepatitis vaccination and testing for high risk populations. In addition, the program provides education, screening, counseling and referrals.

High risk clients include:

  • Hemodialysis patients
  • Heterosexual persons with multiple sex partners
  • Men who have sex with men (MSM)
  • Persons from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands.
  • Persons who have been told they have elevated liver enzymes
  • Persons who have used injectable (IV) drugs
  • Persons who received a blood transfusion before 1992
  • Persons who were born to a mother with hepatitis B or C
  • Persons with chronic liver disease
  • Persons with clotting factor disorders

The program is NOT for international travel clients, employee health or persons under the age of 18.

Specific testing for Hepatitis A, B and C, and vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are offered, by walk-in or appointment (preferred) at any one of our three locations.

Hudson

7509 State Road 52 
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861 – 5260 option 1
Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm (Except Holidays) 

Wesley Chapel

33845 FL-54
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
(813) 780-0740 option 1
Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm (Except Holidays)

Dade City

13941 15th Street
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 521-1450 option 1
Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm (Except Holidays)

It is important to know if you have been exposed to hepatitis so that you can…

  • Get treated, if necessary
  • Be checked for liver disease
  • Learn how to prevent further damage to your liver
  • Learn how to prevent the spread of Hepatitis to others

Perinatal Hepatitis B Program

The Perinatal Hepatitis B program focuses on preventing transmission of the hepatitis B virus from pregnant women to their newborns. The program provides education, counseling, free blood testing, vaccination, case management of newborns, and collaboration with private providers and hospitals.

The Florida Department of Health recommends that all pregnant women be tested for the hepatitis B virus because of the risk of passing the disease on during vaginal birth.

Infants exposed to hepatitis B must be vaccinated in the first 12 hours of birth. In addition, they must receive second and third doses of the vaccine at one and six months of age to ensure complete protection. Post vaccine blood testing should be done between 9-12 months of age.

Babies that get the appropriate shots have a 95% chance of being safe from hepatitis B for life.

Additional Resources: