FREE HEPATITIS TESTING ON JULY 28 AND AUG. 1 

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) will provide free hepatitis testing at its health departments from 8 AM to 5 PM on Monday, July 28, which is World Hepatitis Day.

Free hepatitis testing will be provided on July 28 at these DOH-Pinellas health departments:

• Tarpon Springs: 301 S. Disston Ave., 727-942-5457
• Mid-County: 8751 Ulmerton Rd., Largo, 727-524-4410
• Clearwater: 310 N. Myrtle Ave., 727-469-5800
• Pinellas Park: 6350 76th Ave. N. 727-547-7780
• St. Petersburg: 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., N. 727-824-6900

DOH-Pinellas will also join with other agencies that comprise the Pinellas Planning Partnership to offer free hepatitis tests and other screenings on Friday, Aug. 1, at the 875 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. Walgreens location. Hours for the event that also includes food and music are 11 AM to 3 PM.

Millions of Americans have chronic hepatitis, but most do not know they’re infected. Hepatitis is most often caused by one of several viruses, which is why it is often called viral hepatitis. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Unlike Hepatitis A, which does not cause a long-term infection, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can become chronic, lifelong infections. More than 4 million Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis B or chronic Hepatitis C in the United States.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can both be prevented with vaccines, but there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children at one year of age and for adults who may be at increased risk. Unfortunately, many people became infected with Hepatitis B before the Hepatitis B vaccine was widely available. The hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants at birth and for adults who may be at increased risk.

For more information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com.