Hepatitis A is a virus that leads to inflammation (swelling) of the liver, which can temporarily cause the liver not to function correctly. For some patients, hospitalization is needed. No medicines can cure hepatitis A; it must resolve on its own. Each year in the United States, at least 20,000 to 30,000 non-immunized people are infected with hepatitis A, and about 100 people die from this disease. Prevention is the key to not contracting hepatitis A, and the most effective preventive method is the hepatitis A vaccine.

Who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A? Children who are 12 months to 23 months of age. If your child is older than 23 months, he or she should receive the hepatitis A vaccine if it has not previously been given. Be sure to discuss this vaccine with your pediatrician. People with chronic liver disease People who travel to developing countries People who use illicit drugs Review the vaccination schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one month behind.

When did the vaccine for hepatitis A become available?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made its first recommendation for use of the hepatitis A vaccine in 1995. In 2006, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices revised the recommendation and all U.S. children who are 12 months or older should now receive this vaccine.

How does someone become infected by hepatitis A?
In most cases, hepatitis A is spread from person to person and is found in stool of those infected with the virus. Some ways you may come into contact with the hepatitis A virus include eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated liquids, exposure to a diaper-changing table that has not been cleaned properly and close personal contact with someone who has the hepatitis A virus infection.

Isn’t good hygiene a way to prevent hepatitis A?
While practicing personal hygiene, such as washing your hands after using the bathroom, is always an excellent idea, the hepatitis A vaccine is the best method for not becoming infected with the hepatitis A virus. People with hepatitis A can spread the virus one to two weeks before they begin to feel sick, transmitting infection to those who are not vaccinated.

How effective is the hepatitis A vaccine?
Approximately 97 to 99 percent of children and adults who receive the two-dose series of hepatitis A vaccine are protected from this disease. The current estimate for length of immunity against hepatitis A after vaccination is at least 20 years, and it might be longer.

What is the dosage schedule for the hepatitis A vaccine?
For the vaccine to be effective, two doses of the vaccine are required. These doses should be at least six months apart.

Are there any side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?
No serious side effects have been attributed to the hepatitis A vaccine.

Mild side effects may include:

• injection-site soreness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• fatigue

A very rare side effect of the hepatitis A vaccine is an allergic reaction, which would occur quickly (a few minutes to a few hours) after receiving the vaccine. If you are concerned that you or your child is suffering an allergic reaction from the hepatitis A vaccine, contact your doctor immediately.

How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your child’s pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can answer your questions and give you more information on the hepatitis A vaccine.


Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child and yourself to protect
against hepatitis A.