The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent
infection with the virus. The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two
doses — initial vaccination followed by a booster shot six months later.
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention recommends the following individuals receive a hepatitis A vaccine:
1.
All
children at age 1, or older children who didn't receive the vaccine at age 1
2.
Laboratory
workers who may come in contact with hepatitis A
3.
Men who
have sex with men
4.
People
planning travel to areas of the world with high rates of hepatitis A
5.
People who
use illegal drugs, injected and noninjected
6.
People who
receive treatment with clotting-factor concentrates
7.
People
with chronic liver disease
8.
If you're
concerned about your risk of hepatitis A, ask your doctor if you should be
vaccinated.
If you're traveling in regions where
hepatitis A outbreaks occur, peel and wash all fresh fruits and vegetables
yourself and avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish. Drink bottled water and
use it when brushing your teeth. Don't drink beverages of unknown purity, with
or without ice. If bottled water isn't available, boil tap water before
drinking it.
Thoroughly wash your hands often,
especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before preparing
food or eating.
