Hepatitis A Vaccine
Vaccination Recommendations
Vaccination efforts are underway targeting at-risk groups by County public health and our community health care partners.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routinely recommends hepatitis A vaccination for all children, for persons who are at increased risk for infection, and for any person wishing to obtain immunity.
Two shots of the hepatitis A virus vaccine are recommended. The vaccine may be given as a twin vaccine against both hepatitis A and B. Anyone who received their first hepatitis vaccination before mid-September, 2017, should get a second dose now to complete the series and assure long-term protection. Although the first dose of the vaccine is considered to be around 95 percent effective, that protection will eventually begin to decrease and a second shot boosts immunity for between 20 and 40 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Who Should Get the Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine?
As part of the ongoing effort to prevent future outbreaks, the following persons are recommended to receive hepatitis A vaccine:
- People who are homeless.
- Users of illegal drugs.
- Men who have sex with men.
- People with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. (They may not be at increased risk of getting hepatitis A, but are at increased risk of poor outcomes if infected.)
- Anyone who is concerned about hepatitis A virus exposure and wants to be immune.
The vaccine is also recommended for the following individuals:
- Children are routinely vaccinated between their first and second birthdays (12 through 23 months of age). Older children and adolescents can get the vaccine after 23 months.
- People traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common.
- Those being treated with clotting-factor concentrates.
- Adults who have not been vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis A can also get the vaccine.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
For information about hepatitis A vaccine, individuals should call their healthcare provider or 2-1-1 to find a community clinic that provides the vaccine.
Other Hepatitis A Virus Prevention
- Don’t have sex with someone who has hepatitis A virus infection.
- Use your own towels, toothbrushes, and eating utensils.
- Don’t share food, drinks, or smokes with other people.
What If I Need More Help?
Please contact your local health care provider. If you are uninsured, call 2-1-1.
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