Onslow County Health Department urges hepatitis A and B vaccination, explains schedules and access

Karen Walker, a public-health nurse with the Onslow County Health Department, described the threat hepatitis poses to the liver and urged vaccination against hepatitis A and B.

"Hepatitis causes inflammation in the liver," Walker said, adding that severe cases can lead to liver disease or the need for a transplant. She explained that children typically receive a three-shot series and adults receive a two-shot series, with the adult second dose administered about six months after the first.

Walker outlined how hepatitis spreads and why prevention matters: fecal–oral transmission makes hand hygiene and safe food handling important, and bloodborne transmission prompted the department to track pregnant people with hepatitis B and follow newborns through testing and vaccination.

The health department said it serves insured and uninsured residents; state assistance can cover vaccines for eligible uninsured people. Walk-ins are accepted, and staff can schedule appointments. Walker described the clinic check-in process at 612 College Street (second-floor kiosk) and said immunization nurses will review fees and eligibility at registration.

On closing, Walker stressed the importance of vaccination and invited residents to contact the health department with questions: "This is something that you need to take serious," she said, and added the department will work to meet patients' needs.