Hepatitis A is an acute illness with a discrete onset transmitted through close person-to-person contact with an infected person, sexual contact with an infected person, or ingestion of contaminated food or water. A large person-to-person outbreaks began occurring in 2016 and since then there has been a dramatic increase in reported cases.
Hepatitis a virus & vaccine FAQ's
How can Hepatitis A virus be prevented?
The best way to prevent the hepatitis A virus is through vaccination. This vaccination is a two-dose series of hepatitis A vaccine. The United States has licensed this vaccine for use in people 1 year of age and older.
Who should be vaccinated?
All children beginning at 12-23 months of age and unvaccinated children and adolescents 2-18 years of age should be vaccinated. Pregnant women who are at risk for HAV infection should make sure they are vaccinated. Everyone should be vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus.
Who should not be vaccinated?
If a person has received blood products for clotting disorders, they should not be vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine.
The best way to prevent the hepatitis A virus is through vaccination. This vaccination is a two-dose series of hepatitis A vaccine. The United States has licensed this vaccine for use in people 1 year of age and older.
Who should be vaccinated?
All children beginning at 12-23 months of age and unvaccinated children and adolescents 2-18 years of age should be vaccinated. Pregnant women who are at risk for HAV infection should make sure they are vaccinated. Everyone should be vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus.
Who should not be vaccinated?
If a person has received blood products for clotting disorders, they should not be vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine.
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Who is at an increased risk of HAV?
International travelers, men who have sex with men, those using illegal drugs, those who have occupational risk for exposure, and those experiencing homelessness, are all at an increased risk of HAV. Who is at an increased risk for severe disease from HAV?
Those with chronic liver disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection are both at increased risk for severe disease from HAV. |
What are the signs and symptoms of HAV?
Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A can be, and are not limited to, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, diarrhea, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice. 70% of infections in children younger than age 6 are not accompanied by symptoms. Symptoms of HAV usually last for less than 2 months but 10-15% of symptomatic persons have prolonged or relapsing disease for up to 6 months. |
All information on this page comes from the CDC's website on hepatitis A. Follow the link below for more information on the hepatitis A virus and vaccine.