Sidney & Duncan – Hepatitis A immunizations will be offered in the coming days to eligible members of the general public who have consumed certain packages of Western Family brand of ready-to-eat pineapple chunks from Save-On Food stores in Duncan and Sidney, BC.
Island Health Public Health recommends members of the public who consumed ready-to-eat pineapple chunks in 200 gram plastic cups from these stores on or after August 18 should receive hepatitis A vaccine as a precaution.
This alert DOES NOT apply to produce or other foods purchased from the grocery department at either of these stores.
Persons who have had hepatitis A in the past, or who have previously received two doses of the vaccine are immune to the disease and do not need to be vaccinated.
Free Vaccines
Vaccines are available through the pharmacy counters at the Save on Foods locations in Sidney and Duncan where the pineapple was purchased.
There are three Island Health Public Health clinics opened this long weekend where vaccines will be available free of charge. Clinic hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Please call the clinic for information and to book an appointment.
1. Saanich Health Unit at 3995 Quadra Street
2. West Shore Health Unit at 345 Wale Road
3. Nanaimo Health Unit at 1665 Grant Avenue
Individuals who live outside the Duncan and Sidney area and who are eligible for the vaccine should attend one of the Save-On Food outlets near them, or contact their local Public Health Unit to arrange immunization at their local health unit. Contact information for Public Health Units can be found on the Island Health website.
The public can be assured that it is safe to purchase and consume produce from the Duncan and Sidney Save-On Foods stores. All potentially contaminated product has been removed from the store.
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. The virus can be found in the bowel movements (stool) of infected people. It can spread through close personal contact, or contaminated food that has been handled by an infected person.
Hepatitis A vaccine protects against infection from the hepatitis A virus. In the case of potential food-related exposure, one dose of vaccine is recommended.
For more information on hepatitis A please visit BC Centre for Disease Control or HealthLinkBC.
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