Where to get the hepatitis vaccine in King County

Good 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+.

Download the "Coding Guidelines For Vaccine-Preventable Hepatitis (VPH)" (PDF)
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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.

• 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 which offer hepatitis vaccine:

• Country Doctor Community Clinic
  500 - 19th Ave. East (Capitol Hill)
  (206) 461-4503
  
  
• Neighborhood Health Centers
  Note: All medical clinics listed for Neighborhood Health Centers offer hepatitis A and B vaccine except Midwifery and Women's Health clinic.
  
  
• Public Health STD Clinic
  Ninth and Jefferson Building
  908 Jefferson St, 11th Floor
  Seattle, WA
  Phone: 206-744-3590