Hepatitis - hep-ah-TY-tiss A is a serious disease of the liver that can cause death. It is causing by the hepatitis A virus - HAV, and is spread most often through infected food or water. Hepatitis A may also be spread by close person-to-person contact with infected people - such as between people living in the same household. Although some infected people do not appear to be sick, they are still able to spread the virus to others.
Hepatitis A is less common in the USA and other areas of the world that have a higher level of sanitation and good water and sewage - waste systems. However, it is a significant health problem in parts of the world that do not have such systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote - out-of-the-way areas, hepatitis A vaccine will help protect you from hepatitis A disease.
It is recommended that people 2 years of age and older be vaccinated with hepatitis A vaccine when traveling to the following parts of the world:
Hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended for all people 2 years of age and older who live in areas that have frequent outbreaks of hepatitis A disease or who may be at increased risk of infection from hepatitis A virus. These people include:
Hepatitis A vaccine is to be using only by or under the supervision of a family doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada