Region providing Hep A vaccines in response to tainted food
The regional health department is offering free hepatitis A vaccines by appointment for those that have eaten consumed Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen berries within the last 14 days. The product, which was sold at Costco locations, was the subject of a recent nation-wide recall.
In the wake of a nation-wide food recall, the region will be holding several clinics to offer free hepatitis A vaccines.
Earlier this month, an advisory notice was issued for those who had consumed Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen berries within the last 14 days to get a hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. The product was sold at Costco locations in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador between Dec. 11 and April 15.
“Anyone who ate this product within the last 14 days, and who was not previously fully vaccinated against hepatitis A is strongly encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” states Dr. Robert Kyle, the region’s medical officer of health, in a news release.
The regional health department is taking appointments for free vaccines at regional headquarters for April 21 and 22 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., April 23 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and April 25 through 29 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
There will also be vaccines available by appointment at the Township of Scugog building in Port Perry on April 22 and 25 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To make an appointment, please call the Durham Health Connection Line at (905) 666-6241.
The region is also asking those who ate the recalled product to monitor for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A, which include fever, stomach pain, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, clay or ash coloured bowel movements and jaundice. Symptoms can occur from 15 to 50 days following exposure.