Niland community takes precaution in wake of hepatitis A outbreak
A health and wellness fair was held in Niland Wednesday morning and free hepatitis A vaccinations were provided to the community due to concerns stemming from the outbreak in San Diego.
News 11 was at the event and spoke to a resident who received the vaccination.
“It’s very simple, all they do is take your information and check your medical record information and then the sit you down and give you the vaccine, it’s very simple,” said Diane Flores, Niland resident.
The health and wellness fair was hosted by the Imperial County Behavioral Health Department in partnership with Niland Chamber of Commerce.
Health officials said they were happy with the turnout, providing 15 vaccinations within in the first 20 minutes alone.
“Basically, this is in response to the ongoing hepatitis outbreak in San Diego County and as well as a few other counties in California. This campaign, this vaccination campaign actually started in August, this is our third event,” said Chris Herring, Emergency Medical Services Manager with the Imperial County Public Health Department.
The Public Health Department was geared to provide 100 vaccinations for the day’s event as well as educating the public on how to take other precautions.
“The biggest one is good hand hygiene, washing your hands especially after using the restroom,” explained Herring.
People are also being told to avoid sharing drinks, foods and even cigarettes. And for those afraid of needles, we asked if the procedure was painful.
“No it doesn’t hurt, not one bit,” said Flores.
“These outlined communities don’t have the transportation to go out to El Centro or to the public health, so we bring them out to the community here in Nilad and provide the services as well,” explained Terri Gonzalez, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator with Imperial County Behavioral Health Services.
Free mental health and vision screenings were also provided along with food services provide by The Imperial Valley Food Bank.
“There’s so many people that do carry the viruses, you never know when you can come in contact,” added Flores.
