“These inoculations are given to Township employees judged to be especially at risk to exposure of Hepatitis B,”said Mayor Pelzman. “Primarily, they are given to first aid responders, medical technicians, fire and police personnel and public health nurses. We are pleased that the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has provided us with funds for helping us protect our employees as they serve the public.”

Hepatitis is a viral disease that attacks the liver. Hepatitis B is the most common form of hepatitis and has an estimated 300 million carriers worldwide, 1.2 million of those in the United States. Hepatitis B can be spread through bites, contaminated needles, sexual contact and blood transfusions or other blood or body fluid exposure. Between 200-300 Americans die of Hepatitis B each year.