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Is hepatitis A vaccine safe for children?
The hepatitis A vaccine is very safe, and it is effective at preventing the hepatitis A disease. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
When was hepatitis A vaccine recommended for children?
In 1996, children living in populations with the highest rates of disease were targeted for immuni- zation, and in 1999 the program was expanded to immunization of children 2 years and older living in states and counties with rates of hepatitis A that histor- ically have been higher than the national average.
Is it necessary to get hepatitis A vaccine?
All unvaccinated people, along with those who have never had hepatitis A, should be vaccinated before traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common. Travelers to urban areas, resorts, and luxury hotels in countries where hepatitis A is common are still at risk.
Who needs to be vaccinated for hepatitis A?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis A vaccination for all children in the United States when they are one year of age, all children and teens through age 18 who were not pre- viously vaccinated, certain children age 6 through 11 months who are traveling outside the U.S., all adults …
How does a child get hepatitis A?
A child can catch hepatitis A by: Coming in contact with the blood or stool of a person who has the disease. Eating or drinking food or water that has been contaminated by blood or stools containing the HAV. Fruits, vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water are common sources of the disease.
How long is hepatitis A vaccine good for?
How long does hepatitis A vaccine protect you? Estimates for long-term protection for fully vac- cinated people (i.e., full two-dose series) suggest that protection from hepatitis A virus infection could last for at least 25 years in adults and at least 14–20 years in children.
At what age hepatitis B vaccine is given?
Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, all children or adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated, all adults age 19 through 59 years, and adults age 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection.
Is Hep A curable?
No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A. Your body will clear the hepatitis A virus on its own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months with no lasting damage.
Why do babies get hepatitis vaccines?
Why should my baby get the hepatitis B shot? Protects your child from against hepatitis B, a potentially serious disease. Protects other people from the disease because children with hepatitis B usually don’t have symptoms, but they may pass the disease to others without anyone knowing they were infected.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine good for life?
How long does the Hepatitis A vaccine last? The vaccine lasts up to 12 months against Hepatitis A. You can also get a booster injection for Hepatitis A after 6–12 months, which will then give up to 20 years of protection.
How long is the hepatitis A vaccine good for?
How does hepatitis A affect a child?
HAV can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as fever, loss of appetite, darker than usual urine (pee), jaundice (when the skin and whites of the eyes look yellow), and abdominal (belly) pain. HAV infections that cause serious symptoms can last for weeks or even months.