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Hepatitis A - vaccine
Definition:
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis A vaccine protects you against one type of hepatitis, hepatitis A. The vaccine stimulates your body to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus. Note that this vaccine will not protect you from other types of hepatitis. See also immunizations - general overview. Alternative Names:
Vaccine - hepatitis A; Immunization - hepatitis A Text Continues Below
Information:
The vaccine, called Havrix or VAQTA, is made from inactivated whole virus of hepatitis A. It is given by an injection in your arm. You should be protected against the disease within two weeks after receiving the first injection. To ensure complete immunization against the disease, two vaccinations are required. After receiving the first vaccination, children and adults should have a booster vaccination in 6 to 12 months. There is also a vaccine for adults called Twinrix that contains both Hepatitis A and B in combination. It reduces the number of needle sticks to achieve immunity to both viruses. It is given in 3 doses. WHO SHOULD BE IMMUNIZED People who work or travel in areas with high rates of infection should be vaccinated. These areas include Africa, Asia (except Japan), the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and Southern America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. See the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specific travel destination information. If you are traveling to these areas before you are fully immunized (less than 4 weeks after first immunization), you should receive a preventive does of immunoglobulin (IG). If you are just a short-term traveler to these areas, you may wish to only receive the immunoglobulin (IG) instead of the vaccine.
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