CVS chain responds to frozen tuna recall in Hawaii

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health is urging Hawaii residents to get vaccinated for hepatitis A after imported frozen raw tuna (ahi) cubes distributed on Oahu tested positive for the virus.

CVS said late Wednesday that Longs Drugs stores and MinuteClinic health clinics in Hawaii have hepatitis A vaccines available and can administer the immunization to patients. CVS has 70 Longs Drugs stores and nine MinuteClinic locations in the state.

Longs Drugs pharmacists can provide the hepatitis A vaccine to people ages 18 and older, while MinuteClinic nurse practitioners can give the vaccination to those ages 24 months and older, according to CVS. The immunization is administered in one primary dose and a second booster dose that’s typically given six months later.

CVS said vaccine supplies will be replenished at the Longs and MinuteClinic locations as needed.

“Immunizations are an important part of preventive care and a critical way to prevent the spread of serious illness, like Hepatitis A,” Tobias Barker, chief medical officer of MinuteClinic, said in a statement. “Our Longs Drugs pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are able to provide vaccinations to Hawaiians who may have been exposed to the virus. They can also help ensure that patients stay up to date on vaccinations in the future.”

The hepatitis A vaccine can protect against the disease if it’s given within two weeks after exposure, CVS reported. People who have had hepatitis A or previously received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine don’t need to be immunized again. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection usually appear two to six weeks after exposure and include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes.