font size

Immunizations (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

What is the hepatitis A vaccine, and who should receive it?

Hepatitis A is an acute viral illness that is spread through contaminated water and food. It is less common in the United States, but is still a common cause of hepatitis worldwide. The disease is very common in many other parts of the world, including Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, the Western Pacific, and Asia. It is primarily prevented by using good hygiene and through vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccine is routinely given to children; however, it is only recommended for certain high-risk adolescents and adults. Foreign travel is the most common reason for adults and adolescents to receive hepatitis A vaccination. For specific guidance and a list of higher-risk groups, please refer to Table 4 for adolescents or Tables 5A- 5D for adults.

What is the hepatitis B vaccine, and who should receive it?

Hepatitis B is an acute viral illness that is primarily spread through the exposure to body fluids of an infected individual. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse and is highly contagious. Approximately 50% of infected individuals will be asymptomatic (have no symptoms of the disease). Most cases resolve without long-term complications; however, 1%-2% will develop chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis B vaccine is given routinely to children. Adolescents who did not receive their three-shot series as a child should be given the vaccine. Adults are not routinely given the hepatitis B vaccine unless they belong to certain high-risk groups. One high-risk group is health-care workers. For specific guidance and a list of higher-risk groups, please refer to Table 4 for adolescents or Tables 5A-5D for adults.


Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/immunizations/article.htm

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement
advertisement
advertisement
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies
Search the Medical Dictionary for Health Definitions & Medical Abbreviations