Superior Points HRP - Canadian Harm Reduction Network

Vaccinations:Hepatitis A VaccineAll staff, volunteers and students should consider being immunized forHepatitis A, particularly if they will be involved in clean-up of publiclydiscarded supplies from public areas, local businesses or vacated rentalproperties. Hepatitis A infects the liver and is spread through food or watercontaminated with fecal matter. Nobody becomes a carrier of Hepatitis Anor are there usually any long-term effects. This vaccine is not covered byany Health Unit program except for very specific risk groups.Hepatitis B VaccineAll staff, volunteers and students who should consider being immunized forHepatitis B and have all other immunizations up to date. Hepatitis Baffects the liver, can become a chronic infection, and is spread throughinfected body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid). Those who are carrierscan pass it on to others. However, the risk of becoming a carrier is quitelow since about 90% of those who become seriously infected shed thedisease themselves (Public Health Agency of Canada’s Fact Sheet, 2003).This vaccine is not covered by any Health Unit program except for veryspecific risk groups.Hepatitis C (HCV)There is no vaccination available for HCV. The virus attacks the liver and istransmitted through contact with infected blood. Universal precautions arethe best protection against this resilient blood-borne infection.Flu VaccineStaff is strongly encouraged to have an annual flu vaccine to protectthemselves from illness and to protect the vulnerable health of clients. Thisvaccine is free to all residents of Ontario.Tuberculin (TB) Skin TestSUPERIOR POINTS HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMProtocols for Staff, Volunteers and Community Agencies16