Hepatitis A Vaccine
On This Page:
What Is Hepatitis A?
How Does Hepatitis A Spread?
What Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Who Should Get a Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Where Does Hepatitis A Occur?
Will I Need Hepatitis A Booster Shots?
Where Can I Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a virus affecting the liver. It usually spreads through contaminated food or water. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, A cannot become a chronic infection.
Symptoms often appear two to six weeks after exposure. This means a traveler can visit a country and return not knowing they’re infected.
Some common hepatitis A symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Low Appetite
- Stomach Pain and Nausea
- Jaundice
These will persist for a few weeks, severe cases can last months. Death is rare.
How Does Hepatitis A Spread?
Contaminated food or water is the most common source of hepatitis A infection. Contamination can happen at any point in the food growing, processing or cooking process. Travelers are at an increased risk. Take extra precautions in developing countries with poor sanitary conditions.
It is possible for the disease to spread through close contact with an infected person. This includes sex or caring for an infected person.
Vaccination is the best form of protection.
How Hepatitis Strains Spread |
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| Contaminated Food or Water |
Sexual Contact | Blood/Bodily Fluids |
Contaminated Medical Items |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A |  |
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| Hepatitis B | |
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| Hepatitis C | |
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| Hepatitis D | |
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| Hepatitis E | |
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What Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Hepatitis A vaccination provides the best form of protection against the virus. Most vaccinations come in two doses given six months apart. Most children are vaccinated around one-year-old.
Studies indicate the vaccine protects for 40 years or more.
Immune globulin is an alternative to hepatitis A vaccination that provides short-term protection for travelers. This is also offered at select Passport Health locations.
Who Should Get a Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 1 year. The CDC highly recommends vaccination for individuals in the following groups:
- Work or travel to countries with hepatitis A
- Live in an area where hepatitis A is present
- Are homosexual and identify as male
- Use street drugs
- Work with hepatitis A samples or patients
Many older adults have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A. Make sure you’re protected with a visit to Passport Health.
Where Does Hepatitis A Occur?
Hepatitis A is a very common illness throughout the world. Even developed countries like the United States or Australia can have outbreaks. It is generally recommended that all individuals, whether traveling or not, receive the hepatitis A vaccine.
The vaccine is highly recommended for travelers, who have not already been vaccinated, to all regions. Some safer areas include Canada, northern and western Europe, Japan and New Zealand.
Some of the most popular destinations where hepatitis A vaccination would be highly recommended include:
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Hepatitis A Vaccination
“The consultation was extremely informative, friendly and comforting. I am so happy that we decided to visit Passport help because the vaccinations (typhoid, hepatitis A and a few more) and advice that we received will help us on this trip and others to follow.”
“The nurse was very professional, highly informed, and responded to all my questions. In addition, she administered the Hepatitis A vacacine in such a way that I didn’t even know that she had done it. She is to be commended for her great customer service.”
“My experience today was trying at first! I could not remember if I had taken a hepatitis shot with another doctor or not! The nurse was patient and permitted me to contact my doctor and ascertain whether I had or had not! After several attempts, the problem was solved and the shot given!”
“We used Passport Health’s Costa Mesa location for our required immunizations required for our recent trip to Africa. Our schedule time was kept, the office was clean, and our RN was great, answering our questions on the drugs. For my Hepatitis booster, i received an email reminder that i needed to have it done with the link to create my appointment. I was in and out in 10 Min. Very happy with the service.”
“I received a lot of good information about potential health risks and diseases that are present in the countries of my travel interest. The vaccination consultation was very thorough and professional. Received hepatitis A, typhoid and a few other shots, great work!”
“My husband and I had to get typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations for a trip to Asia. The practitioner was personable, friendly and reassuring. She went over all possible shots with suggestions for protection. We never felt she was “selling” anything. Excellent experience.”
To find out if hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for your trip, see our destination advice portal.
Will I Need Hepatitis A Booster Shots?
Yes. Boosters are required for full protection against hepatitis A. The exact number and timing of boosters varies based on the vaccination received.
Where Can I Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Passport Health clinics carry a variety of hepatitis A vaccination options. Schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
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