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Health Dept. extends hours to distribute hepatitis A vaccine

CHARLOTTE — Monday is the last scheduled clinic for people in Charlotte to get vaccinated for hepatitis A after thousands were exposed to it at a Papa John's restaurant.

About 1,300 people have been vaccinated so far, according to the health department.

This weekend, the health department was handing out free vaccines to anyone who may have been exposed to hepatitis A from eating at the northeast Charlotte Papa John's.
 
Health officials said the manager at the Papa John's on Cambridge Commons Drive was diagnosed with the disease.

Some people told Channel 9 the health scare makes them angry and others said they're worried.

The health department is warning people who ate at the restaurant between March 24 and April 7 to get treatment soon. They said the vaccine is only effective in those treated within 14 days of exposure.

The clinic on Beatties Ford Road opens at 8 a.m. Monday and will remain open until 8 p.m.

It gave out 350 vaccinations on Sunday and 500 on Saturday.