Italy: Free hepatitis A shots at Rome Memorial

Rome: Rome Memorial Hospital will give free hepatitis A shots at walk-in clinics Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Chestnut Commons in Rome to help local restaurant patrons who may have been exposed to the virus.
The hospital is working in collaboration with the state and county health departments to help customers of Cianfrocco’s Subs & Wings in Rome who may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus by a worker who was recently diagnosed with the illness, according to a joint statement. Patrons who ate at the restaurant or had takeout between Monday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 22 are at risk, according to the Oneida County Health Department.

The hepatitis A vaccine can help prevent infection if it’s given within 14 days of exposure, according to the health department. So for some of Cianfrocco’s customers, it’s too late to get the shot; they should monitor themselves for symptoms of infection, according to the department.

Others can get the vaccine on from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Suite 103 in Chestnut Commons at 107 E. Chestnut St. in Rome.

The vaccine is also available through the county health department by calling 315-798-5747.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is spread when people consume food or drink, or use utensils handled by an infected person or through close, personal contact with someone infected.

Symptoms include yellow skin or eyes, loss of appetite, an upset stomach or stomach pain, throwing up, fever, dark urine or light-colored stools, joint pain, diarrhea and fatigue. Symptoms occur within 15 to 50 days of exposure, but most commonly within 28 days. Most patients recover completely after a few weeks to several months.