Prevention of Hepatitis A

In addition to avoiding risky behaviors, there are two methods for prevention of hepatitis A:

• Immune globulin - a preparation of antibodies that is given both before anticipated exposure to the hepatitis A virus and soon after exposure.
• Hepatitis A vaccine - researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have found the genes that make hepatitis A virulent. However, when the researchers altered those genes to weaken the virus, the virus quickly reverted itself back to its natural infectious form, making it difficult to create an improved vaccine. Currently, the vaccine consists of killed hepatitis A virus. Because the vaccine is not given routinely, please consult your physician if you have any questions about its use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the hepatitis A vaccine for the following groups who are at risk for the infection, as well as for anyone who wants to have the vaccine:

• People traveling to or working in countries that have high or intermediate rates of hepatitis A
• Children in communities that have high rates of hepatitis A and periodic outbreaks of the disease
• Men who have sex with men
• Illegal drug users
• People at occupational risk for the disease
• People with chronic liver disease
• People with clotting-factor disorders such as hemophilia