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• Highlights
• Introduction
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chickenpox)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Poliomyelitis
• Pneumococcal Pneumonia
• Viral Influenza
• Haemophilus Type B
• Smallpox
• Other Vaccinations
• Resources
• References

Immunizations

Description

An in-depth report on the purpose of immunizations and recommended schedules.

Alternative Names

Measles; Rubella; Tetanus; Vaccinations; Whooping cough

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A virus infects at least 180,000 Americans every year and causes symptoms in about 134,000 of them. Almost 30% are children under age 15. Hepatitis A, formerly called infectious hepatitis, is always acute and never becomes chronic. The virus is excreted in feces and transmitted by contaminated food and water. Eating shellfish taken from sewage-contaminated water is a common means of contracting hepatitis A. It can also be acquired by close contact with individuals infected with the virus. It is estimated that 11 - 16% of reported cases occur among children or employees in daycare centers or among their contacts. The hepatitis A virus does not directly kill liver cells, and experts do not yet know how the virus actually injures the liver.

Vaccines for Hepatitis A

Experts now recommend vaccinations for children and adolescents in high-risk states and communities. Indeed, a 2001 study showed that widespread vaccination of children in one county in California led to dramatic decreases in the number of outbreaks among all adults in the community at large. Others who should be vaccinated against hepatitis A include travelers to developing countries, people living in communities where outbreaks occur, people with blood-clotting disorders, sexually active homosexual men, and health care workers exposed to the virus. People with chronic liver disease, including those with hepatitis C, should also be vaccinated, particularly if they have not been exposed to hepatitis A, since the infection can cause liver failure in these patients.

It can be given along with immune globulin and other vaccines. Individuals should also receive immune globulin if they are exposed within four weeks of the vaccination. A combined vaccine against both hepatitis A and B is now available as well for those at high risk for both these infections.

Side Effects. The vaccine is very safe and effective, although allergies can occur. The most common side effects reported are soreness at the injection side, headache, and general malaise.

• Review Date: 2/14/2007
• Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy; previously reviewed by Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital (8/23/2006).

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