Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool of persons with Hepatitis A. It is usually spread by close personal contact and sometimes by eating food or drinking water containing HAV. Hepatitis A can cause mild "flu-like" symptoms, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), and severe stomach pains and diarrhea. A person who has Hepatitis A can easily pass the disease on to others within the same household.

Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent Hepatitis A. Who should get the Hepatitis A vaccine?

• Persons 2 years of age and older traveling or working in countries with high rates of Hepatitis A, such as those located in Central or South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia (except Japan), Africa, and southern or eastern Europe. The vaccine series should be started at least one month before traveling.
• Persons who live in communities that have prolonged outbreaks of Hepatitis A.
• Men who have sex with men.
• Persons who use street drugs.
• Persons with chronic liver disease.
• Persons who receive clotting factor concentrates.

Two doses of the vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart, are needed for lasting protection The Hepatitis vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines and to people who are mildly ill at the time the shot is scheduled. People with moderate or severe illness should usually wait until they recover to receive the vaccine.

Getting the Hepatitis A vaccine is much safer than getting the disease. Some mild problems which might occur include soreness at the injection site, headache, loss of appetite, and tiredness. These problems usually occur 3-5 days after vaccination and can last for 1-2 days.