They fail to mention that children at that age tend to show no symptoms, so they are being vaccinated to protect older children and adults.  - SM

“Officials Target Hepatitis A Outbreaks; Shots for Preschoolers,

Toddlers to Be Offered”

Baltimore Sun (www.sunspot.net) (02/22/01) P. 2B; Sugg, Diana K

Two Baltimore communities are showing an increase in cases of hepatitis A, prompting city health officials to begin a program of free immunizations to the hundreds of children living in the Highlandtown and South Baltimore areas.  Health officials report that the two communities account for 40 percent of Baltimore’s hepatitis A cases.  The officials feel that targeting day care and pre-school children is the best opportunity to stop the disease that spreads through improper hygiene; health officials also plan to speak with food handlers at restaurants.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.