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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Each May, the North Georgia Health District joins the U.S. observance of Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the impact of viral hepatitis and promoting strategies for prevention, testing, and treatment. In 2025, this observance is particularly significant as it aligns with the final year of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Elimination 2021–2025, which aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. HHS.govCDC+2HHS.gov+2HHS.gov+2
Understanding Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by viruses, primarily hepatitis A, B, and C. These infections can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
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Hepatitis A: A short-term illness transmitted through contaminated food or water. It is preventable with a vaccine .CDC+1CDC+1
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Hepatitis B: A potentially chronic infection spread through bodily fluids. Vaccination is the most effective prevention method .CDC
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Hepatitis C: Often a silent, chronic infection transmitted through blood. While there is no vaccine, it is curable with oral medications .CDC
Alarmingly, many individuals with hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection due to the absence of symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular testing .HHS.gov+3CDC+3CDC+3
The Importance of Hepatitis Awareness Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month serves as a platform to educate the public about the risks of viral hepatitis and the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment. It also aims to reduce the stigma associated with these infections, encouraging more individuals to seek testing and care .CDC+1HHS.gov+1
National Hepatitis Testing Day: May 19
A key highlight of the month is National Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19. This day emphasizes the need for individuals, especially those at risk, to get tested for hepatitis B and C. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of the virus .CDC+5CDC+5HHS.gov+5
Progress Towards Elimination
The HHS's Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan outlines goals to reduce new infections and improve care for those affected. As of recent reports:HHS.gov+4HHS.gov+4HHS.gov+4HHS.gov
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Efforts are ongoing to reduce new hepatitis A infections by 40% by 2025 .HHS.gov
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Strategies are in place to increase the rate of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination to 75% by 2025 .HHS.gov
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Initiatives aim to reduce acute hepatitis C infections by 20% by 2025 .HHS.gov
These targets reflect a concerted effort to combat viral hepatitis through prevention, education, and treatment.
How You Can Get Involved
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Get Tested: If you're unsure about your hepatitis status, especially for hepatitis B and C, consider getting tested.
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Vaccinate: Ensure you and your loved ones are vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
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Educate: Share information about hepatitis risks and prevention methods within your community.
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Use Digital Tools: Utilize resources like the CDC's Hepatitis Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit to spread awareness online .CDC+1CDC+1
Note
Our county Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District, which includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, offer the vaccine for Hepatitis A and B and testing for Hepatitis C. Also, Whitfield County Health Department offers treatment for Hepatitis C to local residents. Please contact your county health department for an appointment by clicking on your county's name on our home page at www.nghd.org.
Resources
By participating in Hepatitis Awareness Month, you contribute to the public health effort to eliminate viral hepatitis and promote liver health for all.HHS.gov+1CDC+1
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
April 21–28, 2025, marks National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), a vital annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting children under age 2 from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccines play a crucial role in defending infants from serious and potentially deadly illnesses. Since babies don’t receive their full series of vaccinations until they are between 15 and 18 months old, parents, caregivers, and family members must stay current with their own immunizations. Doing so creates a protective shield around babies while their immune systems are still developing.
Unfortunately, diseases that vaccines once nearly eliminated are starting to reappear in the U.S. Measles, which was declared eliminated in the country in 2000, has recently resurfaced in several states. Whooping cough (pertussis), another dangerous illness for infants, has also been steadily increasing for years. These troubling trends are largely linked to declining vaccination rates across communities.
Following the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule is the best way to ensure your child is protected from 14 serious diseases, including measles, whooping cough, polio, and more — all before their second birthday.
If you’re an expectant parent and haven't yet chosen a healthcare provider for your baby, schedule a visit immediately to discuss vaccinations and any questions you may have.
These vaccines are available at our Public Health Departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties. Click on the name of your county for location, hours of operation, and contact information.
To learn more and review the full 2025 immunization schedule for children, visit the CDC website or speak with your child’s doctor.
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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We will be CLOSED on Good Friday, April 18th. The North Georgia Health District office, health departments, environmental health offices, WIC program, and all other public health programs and services in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed. Clinics at The Living Bridge Center in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville will also be closed. Have a Healthy, Happy Easter Weekend!
Find our services, locations, and contact information at www.nghd.org.
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As preteens step into this pivotal phase of their lives, they begin to take charge of their health decisions, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being. The North Georgia Health District is joining in to celebrate Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, March 10 - 14, 2025. This crucial initiative empowers young individuals to make informed choices about their health. This week focuses on vaccines' vital role in protecting against preventable diseases, encouraging preteens to embrace the power of prevention.
Parents can conveniently access vaccines for their preteens at public health departments across North Georgia in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties. To view contact details, locations, and clinic hours for each health department, simply click on your county's name. Join us in championing health and wellness for our preteens!
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that preteens receive the below immunizations to provide protection from these vaccine-preventable diseases:
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
- MenACWY (Meningococcal disease)
- HPV (Human Papilloma virus)
- Annual flu (Influenza virus)
- COVID-19
In addition, it is equally important to ensure that our Georgia preteens are caught up on additional immunizations, including MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), hepatitis B, and chickenpox. Below are some resources to share this week as we rally together to communicate the importance of immunizations and preventive health for preteens.
- Vaccines for 11-and-12- Year Olds
- Addressing Vaccination Anxiety in Adolescents and Adults
- Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A Parent’s Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination
As we come together to celebrate Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, let us remember that investing in our children's health today lays the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. By ensuring that our preteens receive their vaccinations, we are not just protecting them from diseases but empowering them to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. Let’s unite as a community—parents, guardians, educators, and health professionals—to champion immunizations' importance and instill a wellness culture among our youth. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for all preteens in North Georgia, where every child can grow up strong, confident, and ready to take on the world. Join us in this vital mission and help spread the word!
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- North Georgia Health District Launches New Environmental Health Website
- Fannin County Public Health Facilities Delay Opening to 10 AM, Thurs., Feb. 20
- Public Health Facilities in Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens & Whitfield Counties Delay Opening to 10 AM, Wed. Feb. 19
- Request for Sealed Bids by April 1st for Clinic Remodeling
- WIC is Still HERE for You!
- Georgia Severe Weather Preparedness Week is Feb 3 - 7, 2025
- Health Departments in Cherokee, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens & Whitfield Counties Awarded Car Seat Mini-Grant
- Septic System and the Home: A Must-Attend Class for Realtors!
- Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, Jan. 20th
- Closed for MLK Day on Mon., Jan. 20th