Hepatitis A Vaccine
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a virus affecting the liver. It usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, A cannot become a chronic infection.
Symptoms often appear two to six weeks after exposure. This means a traveler can visit a country and return not knowing they’re infected.
Some common hepatitis A symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Low Appetite
- Stomach Pain and Nausea
- Jaundice
These will persist for a few weeks, severe cases can last months. Death is rare.
How Does Hepatitis A Spread?
Contaminated food or water is the most common source of hepatitis A infection. Contamination can happen at any point in the food growing, processing or cooking process. Travelers are at an increased risk. Take extra precautions in developing countries with poor sanitary conditions.
It is possible for the disease to spread through close contact with an infected person. This includes sex or caring for an infected person.
Vaccination is the best form of protection.
How Hepatitis Strains Spread |
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| Contaminated Food or Water |
Sexual Contact | Blood/Bodily Fluids |
Contaminated Medical Items |
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| Hepatitis A |  |
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| Hepatitis B | |
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| Hepatitis C | |
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| Hepatitis D | |
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| Hepatitis E | |
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What Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Hepatitis A vaccination provides the best form of protection against the virus. Most vaccinations come in two doses given six months apart. Most children are vaccinated around one-year-old.
Studies indicate the vaccine protects for 40 years or more.
Immune globulin is an alternative to hepatitis A vaccination that provides short-term protection for travelers. This is also offered at Passport Health locations across North America.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Who Should Get a Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 1 year. The CDC highly recommends vaccination for individuals in the following groups:
- Work or travel to countries with hepatitis A
- Live in an area where hepatitis A is present
- Are homosexual and identify as male
- Use street drugs
- Work with hepatitis A samples or patients
Many older adults have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A. Make sure you’re protected with a visit to Passport Health.
Where Does Hepatitis A Occur?
Hepatitis A is a very common illness throughout the world. Even developed countries like the United States or Australia can have outbreaks. It is generally recommended that all individuals, whether traveling or not, receive the hepatitis A vaccine.
The vaccine is highly recommended for travelers, who have not already been vaccinated, to all regions. Some safer areas include Canada, northern and western Europe, Japan and New Zealand.
Some of the most popular destinations where hepatitis A vaccination would be highly recommended include:
To find out if hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for your trip, see our destination advice portal.
Will I Need Hepatitis A Booster Shots?
Yes. Boosters are required for full protection against hepatitis A. The exact number and timing of boosters varies based on the vaccination received.
Where Can I Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Passport Health clinics carry a variety of hepatitis A vaccination options. For more information or to schedule, please call 1-888-986-8868 or complete the contact us form.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
On This Page:
What Is Hepatitis A?
How Does Hepatitis A Spread?
What Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Who Should Get a Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Where Does Hepatitis A Occur?
Will I Need Hepatitis A Booster Shots?
Where Can I Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
