Sixteen East Tennesseans have contracted Hepatitis A since the end of June. That’s in addition to 23 people who had it in April.
The Campbell County Health Department is now vaccinating children to try to slow the growth of the community-wide outbreak of Hepatitis A.
Thursday, workers visited Campbell County’s six largest day care centers to give the first round of the vaccine.They administered shots to 181 children and 51 adult daycare employees.
Young children can pick up the virus and not display any symptoms, but still pass it to others. That’s why the day care centers were the first target.
“It was really scary to me because my two children had it in high school, of course that was years ago, but I knew how sick they got,” Kandyland Day Care employee Edna Bolton explained Thursday. “I was real happy when they said they’d like to give shots, because I don’t want to pick it up.”

The assistant director of the East Tennessee Regional Health Department was pleased with Thursday’s turn out. She said the majority of children and workers were vaccinated, though a few were absent because of vacation and illness.
Most parents who bring their children to Kandyland consented to the shot. However, the director was concerned that a few children didn’t show because of the shots.
“It’s hepatitis,” parent Vanessa DuMont explains. “It scares you, when you think about it. It’s a good thing they’re doing this.”
Friday, parents can have their children ages two to five vaccinated for free at the Campbell County Health Department from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
The vaccine is given in two doses and offers lifelong protection. The second shot will be available in six months.
Jerry Owens , Photographer
Kay Watson , Reporter
Last updated: 7/28/2005 7:23:40 PM
Health Department workers vaccinated 181 children and 51 adults at six Campbell County day care centers Thursday to help stop the spread of Hepatitis A.
Friday, the Campbell County Health Department will offer free vaccines for all local children age two to five.
Children at Kandyland Day Care wash their hands and sing the alphabet simultaneously to ensure they wash for the proper amount of time. Health experts say hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.