Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Hepatitis A Vaccination
Pronounced (hep-ah-TY-tiss)
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A can affect anyone. Vaccines are available for long-term prevention of HAV infection in persons 1 year of age and older. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can also help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.
What You Should Know:
For Health Professionals:
What You Should Know
- CDC's official Hepatitis A disease website
- Brief description
Symptoms, treatment, transmission, etc. - Hepatitis A Frequently Asked Questions
- Pictures of Hepatitis A
Warning: Some of these photos are quite graphic. - Fact Sheet on Hepatitis A
[PDF-603KB, 2 pages] - CDC en Español! - Hepatitis
- Travelers information
Information and updates on risks for travelers, precautions, prevention, etc. - Hepatitis A basics
Fact sheet offers overview of Hepatitis A disease and vaccine risks and benefits
- Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
- Who Needs to be Vaccinated?
(recommended at 1 year old) - Side effects of vaccine
Excerpt from Vaccine Information Statement
- What are the dosages and schedules for Hepatitis A vaccines?
- Hepatitis A prevention mandates
- Who should receive protection against Hepatitis A before travel?
As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort.
For Health Professionals
Clinical Information on Hepatitis A
- Clinical / brief description
Symptoms, transmission, postexposure protection, etc. - MMWR: Prevention of Hepatitis A Through Active or Passive Immunization
- Hepatitis A vaccine and immune globulin for intramuscular administration (IMIG)
- Ask the Experts about Hepatitis A
CDC experts answer your clinical questions (Immunization Action Coalition) - MMWR: Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Infections with Hepatitis Viruses in Correctional Settings
- Proper storage and handling of vaccines UPDATED dec 2011
CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling guide includes shelf life, reconstitution instructions... - Package inserts
(Havrix, Twinrix, VAQTA, and more package inserts...) Posted Feb 2010
Recommendations
- Current ACIP Recommendations
References and Resources on Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis A Resources and Links
- Pink Book's chapter on Hepatitis A (Updated April 2011)
Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 12th Edition - Travelers: Yellow Book
Preventive measures for travelers
- VFC resolution regarding hepatitis A vaccine
Surveillance
- Surveillance manual's chapter on Hepatitis A August 2008
Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases textbook - Surveillance Guidelines and Forms
Provider Education
- CDC Patient Education Resources
- Viral Hepatitis Education and Training Projects
- Newsletter from IAC "Hep Express"
Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) - Podcasts on Hepatitis A Vaccination and on Hepatitis
Materials for Patients
- CDC Patient Education Resources (fact sheets, brochures, etc.)
- Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
- Prevent hepatitis A (brochure) [PDF-618KB, 2 pages]
Describes the disease and explains how to prevent it - Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences [PDF-73KB, 1 page]
From the Immunization Action Coalition - What I need to know about Hepatitis A
- Viral hepatitis information in languages other than English
from Immunization Action Coalition - Viral Hepatitis: Information for Gay and Bisexual Men [PDF-790KB, 2 pages]
- Patient materials and more resources from IAC
- Hepatitis A: Questions and Answers [PDF-108KB, 4 pages]
Ready-to-print versions of one of the CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website (http://www.vaccineinformation.org) Dated 5/08 - Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease:
Vaccination can protect you!
[PDF-90KB, 2 pages]
Ready-to-print versions of one of the CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website (http://www.vaccineinformation.org) Dated 9/08
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This page last modified on
January 19, 2012
Content last reviewed on April 22, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Content last reviewed on April 22, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases