Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is easily passed from person to person through fecal-oral contamination. This can happen when family members don't wash their hands after using the bathroom or a kitchen worker can contaminate food after not washing in the bathroom. Sewage contamination of drinking water can spread Hepatitis A.
The disease is quite variable and may be asymptomatic, but frequently causes lethargy and muscle aches and occasionally jaundice, stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Rarely does a person need to be hospitalized with Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is the most common kind of hepatitis seen in the community.
THE VACCINE
The Hepatitis A vaccine is made from killed virus. It is administered in a two dose, six months to a year apart, schedule.
COMPLICATIONS OF THE VACCINE
Minor soreness or swelling at the shot site is the most common reaction. Occasionally people experience headache or tiredness or loss of appetite for a day or two. Severe problems such as allergy are extremely rare.
WHO SHOULD GET HEPATITIS A VACCINE (HAV)
Indications for HAV are not as strong as indications for Hepatitis B.
People who anticipate travel abroad to many parts of the world may need the Hepatitis A vaccine. People living in high-risk communities such as a rancheria or residential care facility and some people working in health care or as food handlers may need the Hepatitis A vaccine.
Talk to us about your specific situation if you have questions.
The official Center for Disease Control handout for Hepatitis A vaccine is available through the CDC Vaccine Information Statements site. You should review it before getting this vaccine for your child.
Ted Humphry, M.D. 822-2441
this information last updated 12/03.