What to know
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. CDC recommends Hepatitis A vaccine (HepA) for all children and for adults with certain risk factors. HepA vaccine is an inactivated viral vaccine with an aluminum adjuvant. It is available as a single-antigen vaccine or in combination with other vaccines.
Clinical information on hepatitis A
- Clinical / brief description - Symptoms, transmission, postexposure protection, etc.
- MMWR: Prevention of Hepatitis A Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2020
- Ask the Experts about Hepatitis A - CDC experts answer your clinical questions (Immunization Action Coalition)
- MMWR: Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Infections with Hepatitis Viruses in Correctional Settings
- Consult package inserts for vaccine storage and handling guidance (Havrix, Twinrix, VAQTA, and more package inserts...) includes proper storage and handing details, shelf life, reconstitution instructions
Recommendations
- Current ACIP Recommendations
Surveillance
- Surveillance manual's chapter on Hepatitis A: Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases textbook
- Surveillance Guidelines and Forms
Resources
Provider resources
- CDC Patient Education Resources
- Newsletter "Hep Express" from the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)
References
- Hepatitis A Resources and Links
- Pink Book's chapter on Hepatitis A: Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
- Travelers: Yellow Book Preventive measures for travelers
Materials for patients about hepatitis A
- CDC Patient Education Resources (fact sheets, brochures, etc.)
- Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
- What I need to know about Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis A, B, and C: Learn the Differences [1 page] from the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)
- Patient materials and more resources from IAC
- Hepatitis A: Questions and Answers [4 pages] - Ready-to-print versions of one of the CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website
- Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease: Vaccination can protect you! [2 pages] - Ready-to-print versions of one of the CDC-reviewed Q&A material located on IAC's Vaccine Information website