Kauai Medical Clinic is offering a Hepatitis A Vaccine at Kauai Urgent Care Clinic.

If you have been exposed to Hepatitis A by eating at Genki Sushi during the outbreak or have come in close contact with someone who has Hepatitis A, the CDC recommends you get the vaccination within 14 days of exposure. We are offering the Hepatitis A vaccine for adult patients, 19 years of age and older, at Kauai Urgent Care Clinic at 4484 Pahee Street (next to KCFCU) in Lihue.

Vaccines are available during Urgent Care hours: Monday – Sunday 8am to 7pm.

No appointments necessary, just walk-in. Please bring your health plan membership card and Driver’s license, state I.D., or a valid photo I.D. with you to the Kauai Urgent Care Clinic.

We recommend you contact your insurance provider to see if the Hepatitis A vaccine is covered under your health plan. If you have previously completed a Hepatitis A vaccine series, you do not need to get another vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hepatitis A

On August 15, 2016, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) identified raw scallops served at Genki Sushi restaurants on Oahu and Kauai as the probable source of the hepatitis A outbreak in Hawaii. The following information is being provided to help Hawaii Pacific Health patients determine what to do if they recently dined at Genki Sushi or believe they may have been exposed.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease can range from a mild illness lasting one to two weeks to a severe illness lasting for several months. HAV is found in the stool of people with hepatitis A infection and is usually spread by eating contaminated food or drinking water and can be spread through close personal/sexual contact. A person who has hepatitis A can easily pass the disease to others within the same household.

Do I need the vaccine?

It is recommended that anyone who has dined at Genki Sushi on Oahu or Kauai within the last two weeks get vaccinated for hepatitis A. The vaccine is helpful in reducing the chance of developing hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure.

Anyone who may have been exposed more than two weeks ago should watch for early signs and symptoms of hepatitis A for a period of two months following initial exposure. Signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache and/or body ache
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)

If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention.

In general, vaccination is strongly recommended for certain individuals who are especially at risk. See the list of groups recommended to be vaccinated for hepatitis A by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you have already been vaccinated for hepatitis A or have had hepatitis A disease in the past, you should be protected and do not require a booster for protection.

While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent handwashing with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Appropriately cooking and preparing foods can also help prevent infection.

Does my insurance cover the cost of the vaccine?

Contact your insurance provider to determine if the vaccine is covered by your insurance plan.

Do I need a prescription to get the vaccine?

Having a doctor’s prescription is a good idea as it will decrease any out-of-pocket costs that may be incurred. Contact your insurance provider to determine if the vaccine is covered by your insurance plan and/or if you will have any out-of-pocket costs based on your plan coverage.

Where can I get the vaccine?

Visit the Hawaii Department of Health website for a list of pharmacies that provide the hepatitis A vaccine, or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 211.

The Hawaii Department of Health advises that the demand for the vaccine during the outbreak has led to varied supply levels around the state, so it is recommended that people call ahead to assure the vaccine is available at a particular clinic or pharmacy before going there.

Where can I find additional information?

Additional information and resources about the hepatitis A outbreak are available on the Hawaii Department of Health website.