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Hillsborough County schools forward message recommending Hepatitis A vaccines

The vaccine is not required to attend schools.

Schools across the Hillsborough County district forwarded a letter Thursday to parents, recommending they get their children vaccinated for Hepatitis A.

The letter, written by the Florida Department of Health, notes the "current acute Hepatitis A outbreak" in Florida, noting there have been more than 125 cases in Hillsborough County.

"This is a great opportunity to review your child’s vaccination records to ensure they have received the recommended hepatitis A vaccine," the letter said. 

This letter is to inform parents of the current acute hepatitis A outbreak in Florida. Since 2018, an increase in cases of hepatitis A has been identified throughout Florida. During this time the state has seen over 1000 cases of hepatitis A and the number continues to rise.

"The hepatitis A vaccine is not required for school entry; therefore, your child may or may not have received it during their routine childhood immunizations," the letter noted.

RELATED: Health officials send warning after Pasco Co. firefighter contracts Hepatitis A

A district spokeswoman said, “The health department is being proactive and we are being good partners to help get the word out.”

Hepatitis is caused by a virus and is often spread by contact with items contaminated by feces. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, nausea and dark urine.

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