What is
hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an infection caused by a
virus. People usually get hepatitis A from eating
contaminated food or water. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) may
not cause any symptoms or it may cause fever, tiredness,
loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. This
disease can cause adults and children to miss a lot of work
and school and it can damage the liver. Hepatitis A can be
rapid and severe and rarely is a fatal illness.
Most cases of hepatitis A in the United
States occur in community outbreaks of the disease. The
southwestern part of the US has more cases of hepatitis A
than the midwestern or eastern US. People who travel to
countries that have high rates of this disease may get the
virus and bring it back to the US.
What is the
HAV vaccine?
The HAV vaccine is very effective in
preventing hepatitis A. The vaccine is given in 2 doses with
at least 6 months between each dose. The vaccine should
protect your child for many years, perhaps for life.
Does the HAV
vaccine cause any side effects?
The vaccine is not known to cause serious
side effects. After being vaccinated, your child may have
some soreness at the shot site, headache, or fatigue.
Who should
get the HAV vaccine?
Children get the hepatitis B vaccine as a
part of the normal immunization schedule, but the vaccine
for hepatitis A is not routinely given. Children over one
year of age can have the HAV vaccine. Children in some areas
of the US are at very low risk for the disease and may not
need the vaccine. Children in other parts of the US are at
higher risk of exposure to the virus. Your health care
provider may recommend that your child be vaccinated.
If you are traveling outside of the US you
may need the HAV vaccine. It is best to be completely
vaccinated against hepatitis A before you or your child
travels. This means getting the first shot at least 7 months
before traveling. If you don't have that much time before
you leave, it is still important for you and your child to
get at least one shot 2 weeks or more before your trip.
Is the HAV
vaccine required for my child to get into school?
The HAV vaccine is not a requirement for
entry into school in most states. However, some states and
counties now require proof of HAV immunization for school or
preschool entry. Ask your health care provider if your area
requires the HAV vaccine.
Are there
other ways to prevent hepatitis A?
Immune globulin has been used to try to
prevent hepatitis A when a person is exposed to someone with
hepatitis A. However this protection does not last very
long, is not very effective in preventing the spread of the
disease, and is expensive.
