Hepatitis Services

The Linn County Public Health Clinic offers a variety of hepatitis services, ranging from prevention, follow-up, and treatment. 

Hepatitis A Vaccinations

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, short-term liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. People who get hepatitis A may feel sick for a few weeks to several months but usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and even death; this is more common in older people and in people with other serious health issues, such as chronic liver disease. 

The Linn County Public Health Clinic offers hepatitis A vaccinations, which is the best way to prevent getting the virus. To get the full benefit of the hepatitis A vaccine, more than one shot is needed. Depending on which type of vaccination you receive, the number and timing of shots may vary. Those who should get vaccinated against hepatitis A include: all children ages 12-23 months, all children and adolescents 2-18 years of age who have not previously received hepatitis A, people at an increased risk of hepatitis A, and people at increased risk for severe disease from hepatitis A infection. 

Hepatitis B Vaccinations

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact, sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment, or during pregnancy and delivery. 

The Linn County Public Health Clinic offers hepatitis B vaccinations, which is the best way to prevent the virus. Infants and children should follow their age-specific vaccination schedule to determine the type and dosing for the hepatitis B vaccine. All adults aged 18-59 should receive the vaccine and any adult who requests it may get the vaccine. All adults 18 years and older should get screened for the virus at least once in their lifetime. 

Perinatal Hepatitis B

The Linn County Public Health Clinic is one of several health departments across the State of Iowa working with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) for a perinatal hepatitis B prevention program. The program aims to prevent transmission of the hepatitis B virus from the mother to the baby by conducting parent and healthcare provider education, case management of mothers and babies, education/recommendation of the hepatitis B vaccine, hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG), and laboratory testing. The team at the Linn County Public Health Clinic is focused on follow-up with mothers and babies who have been diagnosed or may be at-risk for developing hepatitis B. Learn more about perinatal hepatitis B online.

Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment

Hepatitis C is also a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, so the best way to prevent the disease is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs.

It is important for individuals to get tested for hepatitis C. Treatment with oral medications can cure many people in 8 to 12 weeks. Call the Linn County Public Health Clinic at 319-892-6093 if interested in testing and treatment. 

Additional Resources