Free Hepatitis B Vaccinations Offered

A number of San Fernando Valley hospitals and health clinics are offering free hepatitis B vaccines for children. The immunization drive is in response to a new statewide requirement, effective July 1, that all students entering the seventh grade in public and private schools receive the three-shot vaccine.

The vaccination series takes six months to complete, with shots spaced several months apart. Students must show proof of having received at least the first shot to be admitted to school.

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects the liver. The disease is transmitted through exposure to blood and body fluids, usually through sexual contact. It can also spread through the sharing of needles by drug users, and through the sharing of razors and toothbrushes. It is more contagious than HIV.

Each year, about 300,000 new cases of hepatitis B are reported. More than 75% of all cases strike people between the ages of 15 and 39, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Vaccination is the best protection against the disease.

The following locations offer free hepatitis B vaccines:

* Los Angeles County Glendale Health Center

501 N. Glendale Ave.

Monday-Friday, 8-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m.

(818) 500-5769

* Los Angeles County Pacoima Health Center

13300 Van Nuys Blvd.

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

(818) 896-1903

* Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills

5601 De Soto Ave.

June 12 and Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-noon

(818) 719-3159

* Verdugo Hills Hospital

1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale

June 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

(818) 790-7100

* Verdugo Hills Medical Associates

544 N. Glendale Ave., Glendale

Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

(818) 241-4331

* Roosevelt Middle School

1017 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale

May 12 and July 29, 3-5 p.m.

(818) 242-6845

* Toll Middle School

700 Glenwood Road, Glendale

June 30 and Aug. 25, 3-5 p.m.

(818) 244-8414

For information on hepatitis B and immunization locations, call the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services at (800) 427-8700.