Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with unsafe water or food, inadequate sanitation and poor personal hygiene.

Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A infection does not cause chronic liver disease and is rarely fatal, but it can cause debilitating symptoms and fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure), which is often fatal. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral route; that is when an uninfected person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. In families, this may happen though dirty hands when an infected person prepares food for family members.

Symptoms of hepatitis A range from mild to severe, and can include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). Not everyone who is infected will have all of the symptoms. Improved sanitation, food safety and immunization are the most effective ways to combat hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective and is recommended for any person who wishes to obtain immunity.

Minimum age: 12 months

Routine vaccination:

2 doses, separated by 6-18 months, between the 1st and 2nd birthdays.

Catch-up vaccination:
Anyone 2 years of age or older may receive HepA vaccine if desired. Minimum interval between doses is 6 months.