I recently came across an article in the Lancet discussing the urgent need for universal Hepatitis A vaccination in children. Surprisingly, the CDC has dropped this effective vaccine from its childhood vaccination recommendations, prioritizing politics over public health.
In my 30 years as a food safety attorney, I’ve represented countless people affected by foodborne illnesses. The heartbreak in the courtrooms is tangible. Families have lost loved ones to pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. However, Hepatitis A stands out because we’ve had a safe vaccine since 1995, yet we still struggle to get it to those who need it.
Hepatitis A is primarily spread through contaminated food and water. It’s often found in areas where hygiene is lacking, making food service workers particularly vulnerable. When an infected employee handles food before showing symptoms, the risk to the public skyrockets. I’ve seen this happen many times, resulting in outbreaks that impact hundreds or thousands of customers.
The costs associated with these outbreaks are staggering. A full course of the Hepatitis A vaccine is only $100 to $200, but a single outbreak can lead to millions in medical expenses, investigations, and lost business. Lawsuits are costly for everyone involved, and I know this firsthand.
Moreover, Hepatitis A mainly affects the most vulnerable populations—older adults, the unhoused, and those without access to healthcare. When a food worker carries the virus, they unknowingly put many at risk.
Some states have mandated Hepatitis A vaccinations for food handlers, but this is not enough. We need a unified national standard requiring all food service workers to be vaccinated, and employers should cover these costs. Trust is vital for businesses in food service. Protecting that trust should be part of their responsibility.
It’s also essential to remember that food service workers are not the enemy. Many lack health insurance or paid sick leave, and they often don’t know about the free vaccine that could protect them and their customers. The real issue is a system that cuts corners and neglects public health.
Historically, we’ve vaccinated children against Hepatitis A as part of routine immunizations. So why are we not doing the same for the workers preparing their meals?
The solution is simple. We have the vaccine, the science is clear, and the outbreaks are preventable. The hesitation to act comes down to political will. I’ve witnessed the real-life consequences of inaction—names, medical records, and even gravesites tell the tragic stories behind the statistics.
Vaccinating food service workers isn’t extreme; it’s a logical step based on everything we understand about this disease. We need to act urgently to protect public health.
For a deeper understanding of Hepatitis A prevention, you can check out reports from the CDC here.
