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Hepatitis A Vaccination Requirement for Food Service Workers
 
The hepatitis A vaccination requirement, which went into effect in January 2001, applies to all St. Louis City food handlers, defined as any individuals who work at food service establishments and at any time prepare, serve or handle unpackaged food, beverages, food equipment/utensils or food-contact surfaces.
 
Vaccinations for hepatitis A are available from ConnectCare through a partnership with the City of St. Louis Department of Health. ConnectCare will provide hepatitis A immunizations at Smiley Urgent Care Center located at 5535 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63112. No appointment is necessary. Walk-in clients are accepted 7 days a week (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employers can arrange for on site services if 25 or more workers need the vaccine. Hepatitis A shots are also available from private physicians, county health departments and other community health centers. The purpose of the vaccination requirement is to prevent spread of the disease through food handlers.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q. What is the cost?
A. The cost is $29 per shot. The initial shot must be followed by a booster in 6 to 12 months.

Q. Who pays for the shots?
A. That's up to the individual and his or her employer.

Q. Will there be a sticker to show complaince?
A. No. The Department of Health will continue to provide only the Grade sticker indicating compliance with the restaurant ordinance.

Q. What about new hires?
A. New employees have 30 days to get the first shot. During this time they shall have no contact with ready to eat foods.

Q. Do the shots give lifetime immunity?
A. Research shows the two doses of vaccine are effective for up to 20 years.

Q. What if someone was previously immunized but lost his or her record?
A. The organization that provided the shot should be able to provide a copy of the record.

Q. Do grocery checkers need the shots?
A. No. The ordinance applies only to those who handle ready-to-eat foods.

Q. Do waiters and waitresses (servers) need the vaccinations?
A. Yes, because they serve ready-to-eat foods and they handle utensils.

Q. Does this apply to caregivers in child and adult daycare centers, hospitals and nursing homes?
A. Yes, if the caregivers handle food or formula.

Q. Is anyone exempt?
A. The requirement will not apply to pregnant women, those with medical contraindications (verified in writing by a physician) or persons who object because of religious beliefs (with a notarized affidavit on file with the St. Louis City Department of Health).

Q. What must employers do?
A. Employers must keep a list of employees, vaccination and declination records available for health inspectors' review on site. Medical declinations must include a statement from the health care provider. Religious declinations require a notarized affidavit.

Q. What are the consequences for not complying?
A. Failure to comply may result in legal action. Every person found guilty of this violation shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both fine and imprisonment. If public health is threated, the Health Commissioner will close a food service operation.

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