Oklahoma Gets Highest Marks In Nation For Hepatitis A Prevention

OKLAHOMA CITY - An international health organization has given Oklahoma the only "A" in the nation for the state's efforts to stop the spread of Hepatitis A. That's according to State Senator Kelly Haney, author of a 1997 bill requiring the vaccination for Oklahoma children.

The Hepatitis Foundation International has been tracking the progress of the 17 high endemic states, and recently issued a "report card" to reflect these states' efforts in preventing the disease. These high incidence states contain only 22 percent of the United States' population but account for 50 percent of reported hepatitis A cases. Native American populations especially are among those at highest risk for the disease.

"Hepatitis A is a disease that is 100% preventable with a simple vaccination, but few Oklahomans seemed to realize the scope of the problem," said Senator Haney.

Hepatitis A infects up to 200,000 Americans each year at a cost to the U.S. economy of more than $450 million annually. Approximately 100 people die each year from the disease, which is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver.

"The highest incidence of hepatitis A is among children 5 to 14 years of age. It just made good sense to require this vaccine along with other shots required to protect children against potentially dangerous diseases," said Senator Haney.