Hepatitis Awareness Month: Get Tested and Vaccinated for Hepatitis B and C in Van Buren & Cass Counties

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. It’s a good time to learn about hepatitis B and hepatitis C — two common infections that can harm your liver. The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) wants everyone in Van Buren and Cass Counties to get tested and stay safe.

Hepatitis B and C are viruses that cause liver infections. You might not feel sick at first, but these viruses can cause serious problems like liver damage or cancer over time. The only way to know if you have hepatitis B or C is to get tested.

Who should get tested?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

• All adults get tested for hepatitis B and C at least once.
• Pregnant people should get tested during every pregnancy.
• People with higher risk or ongoing exposure should get tested regularly.

How can you protect yourself?

• Get the hepatitis B vaccine. It’s safe and works well to prevent infection. It’s recommended for babies, kids, teens, and adults at risk.
• There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but medicine can cure it. Treatment lasts 8 to 12 weeks.
• Early testing means you can get treatment before the infection causes serious harm.

Where to get tested and vaccinated

VBCDHD offers hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis B and C testing, and help with treatment at two clinics:

Lawrence Clinic
260 South Street, Lawrence, MI 49064
Phone: (269) 621-3143
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Dowagiac Clinic
302 South Front Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone: (269) 782-0064
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Additional resources

For more information on hepatitis B and C symptoms, testing, vaccination, and treatment visit:

Resources for the Public

MDHHS Hepatitis Information

We Treat Hep C Program

What is Hepatits FactSheet (English version) – Spanish version