Memphis’ mid-'90s hepatitis A vaccination program influenced the nation
Although a hepatitis A epidemic is raging around the country, the numbers are low in Shelby County, thanks in part to mandatory vaccinations given to school children in 1994 and 1995. Many of those children remained in Memphis and carried their immunity into adulthood. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian file)
After tens of thousands of Memphis schoolchildren were vaccinated during the 1994-96 outbreak, the CDC looked at results and changed its rules on when shots are given.
Topics
David Sweat Yvonne Madlock Dr. Bill Schaffner CDC Lora Jobe Burke outbreak Hepatitis AJane Roberts
Jane Roberts has reported in Memphis for more than 20 years. As a senior member of The Daily Memphian staff, she was assigned to the medical beat during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also has done in-depth work on other medical issues facing our community, including shortages of specialists in local hospitals. She covered K-12 education here for years and later the region’s transportation sector, including Memphis International Airport and FedEx Corp.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.