Hepatitis A virus disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus and is transmitted through consuming contaminated food and water. Symptoms of the disease include loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain in the right upper abdomen, jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, and liver failure. Once infected, the disease usually resolves completely and provides immunity against the disease. It does not cause chronic hepatitis like hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine
Made from inactivated hepatitis A virus, this vaccine is effective and safe. It is administered intramuscularly in 2 doses, 6-12 months apart.
Who “Should” Receive the Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine
- Those who do not have immunity against the disease
- Children aged 1 year and older
- People with occupations at risk of acquiring and spreading the disease, including food handlers, daycare workers, military personnel, and healthcare workers
- Travelers going to endemic areas such as Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia (except Japan), Africa, and Eastern Europe, who should be vaccinated at least 1 month before travel
- People with chronic liver disease, such as those with hepatitis B virus infection or alcohol-related liver disease
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use illicit drugs
- Those in close contact with infected individuals
- People with hemophilia
Who “Should Avoid” Receiving the Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine
- Those with a history of allergic reaction to a previous hepatitis A vaccine or any component of the vaccine
- Those with high fever or acute illness should postpone vaccination until recovery
- Those with mild cold symptoms without fever can receive the vaccine
Possible Side Effects After Receiving the Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine
- The vaccine may cause severe allergic reactions, but such reactions are very rare
- Common reactions after vaccination include low-grade fever, pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, which usually resolve within 1-2 days
- Other possible symptoms include loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches, irritability, upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and high fever
Note:
- Currently, there is insufficient data on the use of the vaccine in pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, since the hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, it may be considered in cases of necessity where the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.
- It is not necessary to test for immunity after vaccination because data clearly show that both children and adults respond well to the hepatitis A vaccine.
- For individuals aged 8-65 years, a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine can be given in a single injection series of 3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months intramuscularly.
- Immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV or those undergoing dialysis, can receive the hepatitis A vaccine because it is an inactivated vaccine.
- The vaccine cannot prevent the disease if the person is already infected with hepatitis A virus at the time of vaccination.
- This vaccine does not protect against other hepatitis viruses affecting the liver, such as hepatitis B, C, and E viruses.
- If there are any doubts, consult a doctor.
