What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause a serious infection of the liver known as hepatitis.Hepatitis A is spread through the oral-fecal route. This means that if someone eats something contaminated with a very small or microscopic amount of stool that contains the virus, that person might contract this disease. That sounds rather gross, and perhaps improbable, but this could happen if someone prepares and eats lunch after leaving the restroom without washing his or her hands, for example.
In 2003, there was a breakout of hepatitis A after contaminated green onions were served at a restaurant in Pennsylvania.
Someone with hepatitis A may have a variety of symptoms such as a flu-like illness, stomach pain and diarrhea, or jaundice (a yellowing of the skin). These symptoms are from the hepatitis (or liver disease) that the virus causes.
About 1 in 3 individuals of all ages with the disease have to be hospitalized, and there have been reported cases of death from the illness.
What Does the Hepatitis A Vaccine Do?
The vaccine protects an individual from the virus itself.Who Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine For?
The vaccine is recommended for all children from 12 months to 18 years of age.Brand Names for the Hepatitis A Vaccine
There are two brands of hepatitis A vaccine: Havrix and Vaqta. Both are inactivated vaccines, meaning that the viruses included in them are killed and unable to cause disease.How Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine Given?
This vaccine is given as a series of two injections. One vaccine is typically given at a one-year-old visit, and the second one is given 6 to 12 (or 18) months later, depending upon the brand your provider uses. If your teen needs to get this vaccine, he or she will get it at a healthcare provider's office.Common Side Effects of the Hepatitis A Vaccine
As any parent might be, you may be concerned about potential side effects of any vaccine. Side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine can include soreness at the injection site, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite.Who Should Not Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components should avoid it. A serious allergic reaction includes difficulty breathing, throat swelling, hives, weakness, dizziness and/or a rapid heartbeat. This vaccine contains alum and can contain 2-phenoxyethanol; if your teen is sensitive to these two additives, be sure to alert your healthcare provider.Sources:
Havrix®. GlaxoSmithKline. November 18, 2008. http://www.havrix.com
Hepatitis A Outbreak Associated with Green Onions at a Restaurant – Monaca, Pennsylvania, 2003. Centers for Disease Control. November 18, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm52d1121a1.htm
Hepatitis A Vaccine: What You Need to Know. Centers for Disease Control. November 18, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hep-a.pdf
Possible Side-effects from Vaccines. Centers for Disease Control. November 9, 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm
Vaqta®. Merck. November 18, 2008. http://www.merckvaccines.com/vaccines/hepa/
