Hepatitis A Vaccine

About

The Hepatitis A vaccine is a crucial medical tool designed to prevent infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies that provide immunity against the disease. Hepatitis A is a serious liver infection often spread through contaminated food or water and close personal contact. The vaccine is particularly recommended for international travelers visiting regions with high or intermediate hepatitis A endemicity, such as Africa, Asia, parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, and Mexico. The vaccine is administered in two doses, typically six to twelve months apart, and offers protection for at least twenty years. It is also recommended for individuals at increased risk, including those with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, and people who use drugs. The vaccine is safe and effective, with common side effects being soreness at the injection site, fever, and headache. It is available in single-antigen and combination forms, such as Twinrix, which also protects against hepatitis B. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations endorse the vaccine as a key preventive measure against hepatitis A.