Provincial Immunization Program Expanding

The Department of Health announced today it will cover the cost of hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines for people with hepatitis C. The immunization program is expected to start in October.

"It's all part of the continued expansion of Nova Scotia's immunization program," said Health Minister Jim Smith.

Hepatitis A and B cause liver damage. The vaccine will help to prevent further liver disease for people with hepatitis C should they be exposed to either one of these infections.

The total cost of both vaccines is estimated to be about $125 per individual, which will be covered by the Department of Health. So far, 1,300 people have tested positive for hepatitis C in Nova Scotia.

The Department of Health's annual influenza campaign was expanded last year to include a new pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine for seniors and people with certain medical conditions. In 1996, the department introduced a second dose of measles vaccine for children and, in 1995, a hepatitis B vaccine for children.

Total departmental spending on immunization is more than $3.7 million this fiscal year.

Note: The following is intended for use by broadcast media.

The province's immunization program is expanding.

Beginning in October, the cost of hepatitis A and

hepatitis B vaccines will be covered for people

with hepatitis C.

The vaccines will help prevent further liver disease for

people with hepatitis C if they are exposed to either of these

infections.

So far, 13-hundred Nova Scotians have tested positive

for hepatitis C.