Topic: Prevention of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Infection - Vaccination

Who should get the HAV vaccine? Anyone anticipating exposure to HAV should receive the vaccine, as should persons with an increased risk of severe liver disease if HAV infected. This should include: Persons traveling to or living in regions where HAV infection is endemic. Regions with low HAV infection rates include USA, Canada, western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand. Homosexual males who are sexually active. Persons with chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis B and C. Injection drug users. Persons with regular occupational exposure to HAV, such as researchers. Children in certain high risk communities and to control outbreaks. How long does a vaccination last? The HAV vaccines have only been widely used for several years. Nonetheless, it appears that healthy individuals who received at least two doses of vaccine have protection at least 5 years and probably much longer (20 years). How long before anticipated exposure does the HAV vaccine need to be administered? HAV vaccine must be given at least one month before exposure is expected. Travelers with less time before exposure may receive vaccine and immune globulin (given at a separate anatomic site). Copyright © 1997-2001 The Johns Hopkins University on behalf of its Division of Infectious Diseases. All rights reserved. Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained in this site because no single reference or service can take the place of medical training, education, and experience. Consumers are cautioned that this site is not intended to provide medical advice about any specific medical condition they may have or treatment they may need and they are encouraged to call or see their physician or other health care provider promptly with any health related questions they may have.