Namitha Reddy, MD, MPH, Director and Health Officer

Hepatitis A Emergency Response Thanks

The Somerset County Department of Health’s public vaccination clinics in response to a confirmed case of Hepatitis A in a food handler at the Somerville ShopRite have concluded.

Approximately 2000 Hepatitis A vaccines were administered to the public in 17 hours over a period of 3 days.  In addition, health department staff handled over 500 calls from concerned residents.

These clinics would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the county administration.  Much gratitude to the leadership of Chief Stahl, Somerset County Director of Public Health and Safety, the guidance of Dr. Reddy, Director/Health Officer of the Somerset County Department of Health and tireless dedication of  the Somerset County Department of Health staff for their commitment to protecting the health and safety of the residents of Somerset County.

Thanks should also be extended to the many local public health partners without whose support this response would not have been possible:

• Somerset County Medical Reserve Corps

• Somerset County Emergency Response Team (CERT)

• Somerset County Office of Emergency Management

• Somerset County Public Information Office

• Hunterdon County Department of Health

• Hunterdon County Medical Reserve Corps

• Community Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset County

• Somerville Office of Emergency Management

• Somerset County Sheriff’s Office

• Vaccine Distributors

• County Building Security

• The New Jersey Department of Health and the public

Somerset County Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation, and any updates, if necessary, will be posted on our website.

If you believe you were exposed, and have not yet received the Hepatitis A vaccination, you should:

• Obtain a Hepatitis A vaccination from your healthcare provider or local pharmacy. 
• Monitor your health for symptoms of hepatitis A infection including fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea and jaundice up to 50 days after exposure.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
• Stay at home and contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of hepatitis A infection develop.

Vaccination is a highly effective, easy way to keep your family healthy.  On-time vaccination for children and adults is essential because it helps provide immunity before an individual is exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.  Check with your healthcare provider annually for the shots you may need to keep you and those around you safe.

Hepatitis A

Click the resources below for more information on Hepatitis A:

• Hepatitis A Vaccine Referral Information
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Resources
• Hepatitis A Fact Sheet - English
• Hepatitis A Fact Sheet - Spanish
• NJDOH Hepatitis A FAQ

What We Do:

The Somerset County Department of Health is dedicated to fostering healthy lifestyles and a safe environment through effective leadership in public health, comprehensive planning, development of proactive community partnerships and a continued commitment to public health service.  Additionally, SCDOH is the lead agency responsible for countywide Public Health emergency planning and response activities.  

SCDOH provides essential public health services to our contract communities including: 

• Public Health Administration
• Health Education
• Environmental Health
• Public Health  Nursing
• Communicable Disease Control and Prevention
• Maternal and Child Health
• Adult Health Programs

SCDOH also provides and supports  essential services throughout the County and the region, including:

• Public Health Emergency Preparedness
• Environmental Health
• Regional Chronic Disease Coalition
• TB Control

Who We Serve:

The Somerset County Department of Health serves as the Health Department to our contracted communities: 

• Bedminster (including Pluckemin, Pottersville)
• Bound Brook
• Far Hills
• Franklin (including East Millstone, Franklin Park, Kingston, Middlebush, Griggstown, Little Rocky Hill, Somerset, Zarephath)
• Manville
• North Plainfield
• Raritan
• Somerville

If you live in any other township, please contact your local health department.