Faced with a still-growing outbreak of Hepatitis A, health officials in Columbus and Franklin County have officially expanded their list of people "recommended" to receive a vaccine for the disease. The list now includes healthcare workers, homeless caretakers, substance abuse treatment workers and most first responders in Central Ohio.
A Friday news release placed special emphasis on the first responders — many of whom can have repeated daily contact with those who are most at-risk to contract hepatitis-A.
“Including first responders is one more way we ensure those at risk in our community are protected from potential exposure," County Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola said in a statement.
On Monday, the Columbus Division of Fire spokesman, Chief Steven Martin, said that as many as two-thirds of the department's staff had never been required to receive the vaccination in the past.