Is There A Vaccine For Hepatitis A?

There are two types of hepatitis A vaccine. The first type,

the single-dose hepatitis A vaccine

, is given as two shots, 6 months apart, and both shots are needed for long-term protection against hepatitis A. The other type is a combination vaccine that protects people against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

How long is the hepatitis A vaccine good for?

It is not known for how long protection from one hepatitis A vaccine dose lasts, but it has been shown to last for

at least 10 years

(29).

Is there currently a vaccination for hepatitis A?

Two hepatitis A vaccines are currently available in the United States (

Havrix and Vaqta

). The vaccine is given as an injection into the deltoid muscle of the arm. Both Havrix and Vaqta provide high level protection against hepatitis A.

When did they start vaccinating for hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A vaccine was first licensed as a 2-dose vaccine for children aged ≥24 months in

1995

. In 1996 and 1999, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine hepatitis A vaccination for children aged ≥24 months in communities with the highest rates of the disease (1,2).

Is it necessary to get hepatitis A vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends

hepatitis A vaccination for all children

in the United States when they are one year of age, all children and teens through age 18 who were not pre- viously vaccinated, certain children age 6 through 11 months who are traveling outside the U.S., all adults …

Who gets hepatitis A vaccine?

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for the following people:

All children aged 12–23 months

.

Unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 2–18 years

.

International travelers

.

How is hepatitis A vaccine made?

The hepatitis A vaccine is made by

taking whole hepatitis A virus and killing it with the chemical formaldehyde

. Because the virus is inactivated, it cannot possibly cause hepatitis (see How Are Vaccines Made?).

How often do you need to be vaccinated for hepatitis A?

How and When Do Doctors Give Vaccines? For the hepatitis A vaccine: You should get

two doses, given as shots, 6 months apart

for complete protection. The virus in the vaccine is killed (inactive).

What happens if you get hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes

liver inflammation and damage

. Inflammation is swelling that occurs when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can damage organs. Viruses invade normal cells in your body.

How many shots are required for hepatitis A vaccine?

The combination vaccine can be given to anyone 18 years of age and older and is given as

three shots over

6 months. All three shots are needed for long-term protection for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

When do you have hepatitis A injections?

Ideally, you should have an injection

at least two weeks before travel

to allow immunity to develop. However, the vaccine may still be advised even if there is less than two weeks before you travel. A second dose of the vaccine 6-12 months after the first gives protection for about 20 years.

Is Hep A curable?

There's currently no cure for hepatitis A

, but it normally gets better on its own within a couple of months. You can usually look after yourself at home. But it's still a good idea to see your GP for a blood test if you think you could have hepatitis A, as more serious conditions can have similar symptoms.

Who is at risk for hepatitis A?

Anyone age 1 year or older who is experiencing homelessness

.

Infants ages 6 to 11 months traveling internationally

.

Family and caregivers

of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common.

How long is hepatitis A contagious?

You are most contagious soon after you are infected. Adults who are otherwise healthy are no longer contagious

two weeks after

the illness begins. Children and people with weak immune systems may be contagious for up to six months.

What is another name for hepatitis A vaccine?

How hepatitis A is controlled?

Hepatitis A infection can be

prevented by getting vaccine or immune globulin soon after coming into contact

with the virus. Persons who have recently been exposed to HAV should get immune globulin or vaccine as soon as possible, but not more than 2 weeks after the last exposure.