Hepatitis A Vaccine and Prevention
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Hepatitis A Vaccine
A hepatitis A vaccine is available. It provides
prolonged protection against infection by the hepatitis A
virus. Medical professionals recommend two doses for full
prevention, with the second dose being given at least six
months after the first.
It's generally believed that adults who gets
both doses of the hepatitis A vaccine will be protected for at
least 25 years. Children who get both doses of hepatitis A
vaccine will be protected for at least 14-20 years.
Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?
People at increased risk for exposure to HAV
infection or those who are more likely to get seriously ill if
infected with HAV should be vaccinated. According to CDC
recommendations, these individuals include
-
All children between the ages of 12-23 months.
-
Men who are sexually active with other men.
-
Illegal drug users. This includes those who use
illegal drugs both orally and by injection.
-
Anyone who suffers from a blood clotting disorder.
The only occupational groups who seem to be at
risk are those who work in a laboratory setting where hepatitis
A is studied, or where hepatitis A-infected primates are kept.
No other occupational groups have been identified as high risk.
Hepatitis A vaccine isn't routinely recommended for healthcare
workers, sewage workers, or daycare providers. Children who are
not vaccinated by age two years should be vaccinated as soon as
feasible.
In addition, anyone 12 months or older who will
be traveling or working anywhere in the world where hepatitis A
is highly prevalent. Hepatitis A is not highly prevalent in the
United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and
Australia
Hepatitis A vaccine is very safe. No serious
adverse events have been attributed definitively to hepatitis A
vaccine. Since the licensure of the first hepatitis A vaccine
in 1995, approximately 188 million doses of hepatitis A vaccine
have been sold worldwide, including 50 million doses in the
United States.
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Other hepatitis A prevention recommendations
Boil or cook food for at least one minute at
185°F (85°C). At this temperature, the hepatitis A virus is
inactivated. The same goes for water or beverages. Water that
has been actively chlorinated (as recommended in the United
States) is safe to drink.
Travelers should avoid potentially contaminated
food or water in developing countries and countries where
there's a hepatitis A outbreak. Ice used in drinks may be
contaminated in these areas.
Avoid eating uncooked shellfish and uncooked
fruits or vegetables in developing regions, unless you peel,
prepare and sanitize them yourself.
Related articles about Hepatitis A: Identifying a Symptom of Hepatitis
A, Treatment of
Hepatitis A.
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