Hepatitis A Vaccine

About Hepatitis A Vaccine

The hepatitis A vaccine was licensed in 1995. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The disease causes liver inflammation but rarely causes permanent damage. Large outbreaks have occurred in restaurants, day care centers, and among people who use drugs or experience homelessness. Recommendations on who receives the vaccine, including children and adults at higher risk, are set by national health authorities and vary by country. In the US, hepatitis A incidence fell dramatically after vaccination began. The vaccine is given as a multi dose series. Hepatitis A remains common in countries with poor sanitation, and the vaccine is widely used by travellers to those areas. The combination hepatitis A and B vaccine, Twinrix, is available for adults.