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Public Health
Seattle & King County
401 5th Ave., Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone: 206-296-4600
TTY Relay: 711

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Home » GLBT Health » Gay and bisexual men » Hepatitis vaccine

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Health
Where to get the hepatitis vaccine in King County

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About health insurance
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Who needs hepatitis vaccine?
green square bullet Where do I get hepatitis A and B vaccines?

About health insurance

Vaccine A + B logoGood news! Most health plans will reimburse for hepatitis A and B immunizations for high risk adults, including gay and bisexual men. In fact, the insurance carrier does not need to know what puts a client at high risk. Health care workers, for example, are considered at higher risk for hepatitis B and child care workers for hepatitis A.

The how-to guide for providers and clients can be used by providers to help navigate reimbursement procedures for both vaccines. It also includes complete risk groups for hepatitis A and B and covers separate issues for clients who are HIV+.

Who needs hepatitis vaccine?

If you're a sexually active gay or bisexual man, unless you've already been exposed to hepatitis A and B, you need vaccine. Men with same-sex partners in Seattle are about 20 times more likely to acquire hepatitis A than the general population, and more than 7 times more likely to acquire hepatitis B. The good news is that these two dangerous viruses can be avoided by getting vaccinated. And while some people don't like to get shots, nobody would rather have hepatitis A or B -- ask someone who's had them. If you start today, you can have your vaccine series completed in six months and you can forget about hepatitis A and B.

Where do I get hepatitis A and B vaccines?

  • If you are insured: If your provider doesn't offer immunizations, you can still use your insurance at places like the Country Doctor, the 45th Street Clinic, and the STD Clinic at Harborview (see below.)

  • If you are not insured: Clinics listed below all offer hepatitis A and B vaccine. Contact the clinics to determine the cost of the vaccine and whether they have a sliding fee scale.

  • If you have more questions about hepatitis A or B, vaccine or which clinic might be right for you, call the HIV/STD Hotline at (206) 205-7837 (STDs). They're staffed 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday and can also hook you up clinics that offer STD screening and anonymous HIV testing.

King County clinics who offer hepatitis vaccine:

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"Food Safety is in Your Hands" video in English

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Watch streaming videos through your Internet browser on the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of disease like hepatitis.

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Facts and FAQs about reportable diseases in Washington State including publications and reports.

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV kills specific white blood cells (T cells), which are an important part of our immune systems.

Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance
If you are currently not insured for medical care, visit our Affordable Health health insurance iconCare webpages to see if you qualify.

Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 10:43 AM

All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice. For more information please call 206-296-4600 (voice) or 206-296-4631 (TTY Relay service). Mailing address: ATTN: Communications Team, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1300, Seattle, WA 98104 or click here to email us.

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