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May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. There are safe and effective vaccines available to protect against hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis B (HBV). While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C (HCV), antiviral treatment is available and can cure the disease. HAV and HBV vaccinations are recommended as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Adolescents and adults who were not vaccinated in childhood are also eligible for HAV and HBV vaccinations.
MDH recommends that all adults be screened for HBV and HCV at least once in their lifetime and that people with ongoing risk for HBV and/or HCV be tested routinely. Screening for HBV involves three lab tests: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (total anti-HBc). The screening test recommended for HCV is the hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV). An anti-HCV test that reflexes to HCV RNA testing if positive is preferred. Hepatitis A is an acute disease, and routine screening is not recommended. For more information on vaccine and screening recommendations for hepatitis, refer to the following Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR):
Now is a great time to promote screening and testing for hepatitis. For more information visit Hepatitis or review the Minnesota Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan.
Due to a regional level of higher RSV disease burden, MDH released a Health Advisory Network (HAN) notice extending the date for use of RSV monoclonal antibodies through April 30 (MDH Extends Date for Use of RSV Monoclonal Antibodies Through April 30, 2026 (PDF)).
Since the health advisory was released, RSV has peaked and is on a declining trajectory. For more detail visit Hospitalization Data: Viral Respiratory Illness in Minnesota.
Continue using available inventory of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) and Enflonsia (clesrovimab) until the recommendations for immunization end on April 30. Some current doses might not expire at the end of this season and can still be used next fall. Check expiration dates and store any unused doses in the refrigerator to be used next season.
For answers to frequently asked questions about the RSV mAb season extension, visit:
Hajj 2026 falls in late May and roughly 2 million Muslims are expected to attend the annual pilgrimage. Travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj has been linked to international outbreaks of meningococcal disease due to crowded conditions, shared accommodations, and close contact among pilgrims. Meningococcal disease, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is rare but can lead to severe infections like meningitis and sepsis, with higher risk in infants, adolescents, older adults, and those with certain medical conditions. Saudi Arabia requires proof of meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccination for all Hajj and Umrah travelers. Vaccination protects the person and helps prevent the spread of disease when pilgrims return home.
- Recommend vaccination with MenACWY conjugate vaccine for travelers two months of age and older in addition to routine meningococcal vaccination for adolescents and other people at increased meningococcal disease risk. Review Special Situations under Notes AAP-Immunization-Schedule (PDF) and AAFP: Adult Immunization Schedule.
- All travelers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) one year of age or older must receive one dose of either MenACWY conjugate vaccine within the last five years administered at least 10 days prior to arrival, or MenACWY polysaccharide vaccine within the last three years administered at least 10 days prior to arrival. Polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine is no longer available in the U.S.
For more information visit:
MDH will send a postcard in early May to children who were 18 to 24 months old as of Jan. 1 and are due or overdue for their routine childhood vaccines. These vaccines include DTaP, Hep B, Hib, MMR, pneumococcal, polio, and varicella. These reminders may increase calls for immunization visits. We encourage providers to notify clinic staff of the postcard. If you have any questions, contact the MIIC Help Desk at health.miichelp@state.mn.us.
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