Since the hepatitis A vaccine was first recommended in , cases of hepatitis A in the United States declined dramatically. Unfortunately, in recent years the number of people infected has been increasing because there have been multiple outbreaks of hepatitis A in the United States resulting from person-to-person contact, especially among people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and men who have sex with men.
The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. The hepatitis A virus is spread when someone ingests the virus even in amounts too small to see through:. Hepatitis A can be spread from close, personal contact with an infected person, such as through certain types of sexual contact like oral-anal sex , caring for someone who is ill, or using drugs with others. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick.
Contamination of food with the hepatitis A virus can happen at any point: growing, harvesting, processing, handling, and even after cooking. Contamination of food and water happens more often in countries where hepatitis A is common. Although uncommon, foodborne outbreaks have occurred in the United States from people eating contaminated fresh and frozen imported food products.
Although anyone can get hepatitis A, in the United States, certain groups of people are at higher risk for getting infected and for having severe disease if they do get hepatitis A. If you think you have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, call your health professional or your local or state health department as soon as possible, ideally within 2 weeks.
A health professional can decide next steps based on your age and overall health. A single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine can help prevent hepatitis A if given within 2 weeks of exposure. Depending upon your age and health, your doctor may recommend immune globulin in addition to the hepatitis A vaccine. The hepatitis A virus can survive outside the body for months.
Exposure to freezing temperatures does not kill the virus. Not everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms develop, they usually appear 2 to 7 weeks after infection. Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people can be ill for as long as 6 months.
Many people, especially children, have no symptoms but can still spread the infection. In addition, a person can transmit the hepatitis A virus to others up to 2 weeks before symptoms appear. A doctor can determine if you have hepatitis A by discussing your symptoms and ordering a blood test that can tell whether you have been recently infected with the virus that causes hepatitis A.
To treat the symptoms of hepatitis A, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Some people with severe symptoms will need medical care in a hospital.
The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. To get the full benefit of the hepatitis A vaccine, more than one shot is needed. The number and timing of these shots depends on the type of vaccine you are given. Practicing good hand hygiene — including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food — plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.
People at increased risk for severe disease from hepatitis A infection. 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.
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.
Yes, both types of hepatitis A vaccine are highly effective in preventing hepatitis A virus infection. Receiving the entire vaccine series all of the required shots results in long-term protection. Yes, the hepatitis A vaccine is safe. No serious side effects have been reported from the hepatitis A vaccine.
Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect reported. As with any medicine, there is always a small risk that a serious problem could occur after someone gets the vaccine.
However, the potential risks of hepatitis A are much greater than the potential risks associated with the hepatitis A vaccine. Millions of doses of hepatitis A vaccine have been given in the United States and worldwide since the first hepatitis A vaccine was licensed in People who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the hepatitis A vaccine or who are known to be allergic to any part of the hepatitis A vaccine should not receive the vaccine.
The vaccine is not harmful for you if you are already immune. If you have chronic HBV infection, the vaccine will be ineffective, although it is not harmful. The vaccine is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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How It Works The hepatitis B vaccine is given to protect people from getting the infection. All babies need three doses: The time between the first and second shot should be at least 1 month.
The time between the second and third shots should be at least 2 months; ideally, it should be 4 months or more. At least 4 months should go by between the first and third shots. Premature babies may need a fourth shot. Why It Is Used Hepatitis B virus causes a liver infection that can lead to serious complications, including liver cancer.
For babies Healthy babies who weigh at least g 4. For children and teens Anyone 18 years of age or younger who has not previously received the hepatitis B vaccine should get it. For adults at high risk of exposure Adults who have not received the hepatitis B vaccine series should be immunized when they have an increased risk of exposure.
People who live or work where there is risk of exposure include: Health care and public safety workers who are likely to be exposed to blood or blood products. Clients and staff of institutions or residential settings with known or potential HBV carriers.
People planning extended travel more than 6 months to China, Southeast Asia, Africa, and other areas where hepatitis B infection is high. People who have health conditions that put them at high risk for exposure or a severe infection include: People who have a severe kidney disease that requires them to have their blood filtered through a machine dialysis.
People who have chronic liver disease. Having many young kids vaccinated against hepatitis A can stop it from spreading in a community. Side effects usually are mild, and can include a mild fever and soreness or redness at the injection site. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare.
Your child may have fever , soreness, and some swelling and redness at the shot site. For pain and fever, check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen , and to find out the right dose.
Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Hepatitis A? HepA Immunization Schedule The HepA vaccine is recommended for children 12 months and older, followed by a second dose at least 6 months later.
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