Logan Reed
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is transmitted through close contact, consuming contaminated food or water, or travelling to regions where hepatitis A is more common. The United States sees about 1,000-17,500 cases of hepatitis A annually, with 75 deaths each year. Since the introduction of the hepatitis A vaccine, cases have dropped by 95%. Vaccination is recommended for all children between 12 months and 18 years of age in the US, with the vaccine administered in two doses, six months apart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination recommendation for children | All children aged 12-23 months should receive the hepatitis A vaccine as part of routine childhood vaccination. |
| Catch-up vaccination recommendation | Children and adolescents aged 2-18 years who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine should also be vaccinated. |
| Dosage | The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the second dose administered at least six months after the first. |
| Vaccination sites | The CDC awarded supplemental funds to eight IIS sites in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and New York City for the 2008-2012 sentinel site project period. |
| Vaccination coverage | Vaccination coverage increased during 2006 through the first quarter of 2007, but the rate of increase slowed after that. |
| Vaccine availability | There are several hepatitis A vaccines available in the United States, including Havrix, Vaqta, and Twinrix (a combination vaccine for hepatitis A and B). |
| Vaccine safety | The hepatitis A vaccine is considered safe and effective, with benefits outweighing its risks. |
| Disease prevalence | There are still 1,000-17,500 cases of hepatitis A in the United States each year, resulting in about 75 deaths. |
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What You'll Learn
Hepatitis A vaccine recommendations for children in the US
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed two single-antigen hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix and Vaqta) and one combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix) for use in the US. All three are inactivated vaccines and contain an aluminium adjuvant.
Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended for all children between 12 months and 18 years of age living in the United States. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination for children aged 12–23 months and catch-up vaccination for children aged 2–18 years who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine. The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given as a series of two shots, with the second shot administered at least six months after the first. Children receiving the first shot should be at least one year old.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children get the hepatitis A vaccine between 12 and 23 months of age. Those up to 18 years of age who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine should also be vaccinated. Vaccination coverage with at least one dose increased the most during 2006 through the first quarter of 2007, after which the rate of increase slowed. The 2006 ACIP recommendations for routine hepatitis A vaccination of all children aged 12–23 months resulted in improved coverage, but coverage has since plateaued.
To improve vaccination coverage, vaccine providers can use reminder and recall messages to help ensure that all children in their practice receive two hepatitis A vaccine doses. School or childcare entry vaccination requirements might also contribute to improved coverage. North Dakota and Oregon, for example, require that children entering childcare, preschool, or Head Start programs be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
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Hepatitis A vaccines available in the US
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is preventable by safe and effective vaccines, which are the best way to protect yourself against the virus. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed two single-antigen hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix and Vaqta) and one combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix) for use in the US. All three are inactivated vaccines and contain an aluminium adjuvant. Havrix and Vaqta are licensed for people aged 12 months and older, while Twinrix is licensed for adults 18 and older.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination for children aged 12–23 months and catch-up vaccination for children and adolescents aged 2–18 years who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine. ACIP also recommends hepatitis A vaccination for unvaccinated adults who are at increased risk of infection or severe disease from infection. The hepatitis A vaccine series are typically administered over the course of 6 months, with either two or three shots depending on the type of vaccine. Clinicians should administer the single-dose hepatitis A vaccine as two shots over 6 months and the combination vaccine as three shots over 6 months.
Vaccination coverage with ≥1 dose increased the most during 2006 through the first quarter of 2007, after which the rate of increase slowed. The 2006 ACIP recommendations for routine hepatitis A vaccination of all children aged 12–23 months resulted in improved coverage, but coverage has plateaued. Immunization programs and vaccine providers should encourage hepatitis A vaccination of all children beginning at age 12 months. Vaccine providers can use reminder/recall messages to help ensure that all children in their practice receive 2 hepatitis A vaccine doses. School or childcare entry vaccination requirements might also contribute to improved vaccination coverage.
In the US, hepatitis A vaccines are available at Walgreens, MinuteClinic, and CVS. There are several places to get the hepatitis A vaccine for free or at a low cost. People interested in receiving the vaccine can talk to their doctor or local public health department to learn more.
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Hepatitis A vaccine schedules for children
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed two single-antigen hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix and Vaqta) and one combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix). All three are inactivated vaccines and contain an aluminium adjuvant.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination for children aged 12–23 months and catch-up vaccination for children aged 2–18 years who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine. The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given as a series of two shots, with the second shot administered at least six months after the first. Children receiving the first shot should be at least one year old.
The recommendation to vaccinate all infants aged 12–23 months was first made in 2006. This was updated in 2020 to include all children aged 2–18 years who had not previously been vaccinated. Since universal childhood vaccination was recommended in 2006, hepatitis A cases in the US have dropped by 95%.
Vaccine providers can use reminder and recall messages to help ensure that all children in their practice receive two hepatitis A vaccine doses. School or childcare entry vaccination requirements might also contribute to improved vaccination coverage.
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Hepatitis A risk factors
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is usually a mild, short-term illness, but in rare cases, it can lead to liver failure and even death. The virus spreads through close person-to-person contact, contaminated food or water, and oral-anal sexual activity. Young children are often asymptomatic but can still spread the virus to others.
The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed two single-antigen hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix and Vaqta) and one combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine (Twinrix). The CDC recommends routine vaccination for all children aged 12-23 months, with a catch-up vaccination for children and adolescents aged 2-18 years who have not previously been vaccinated.
Certain groups are at higher risk for hepatitis A and should prioritize vaccination. These include:
- International travelers
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use or inject drugs
- People with occupational exposure risks
- People in close contact with international adoptees
- People experiencing homelessness
- Pregnant women with risk factors
- People with chronic liver disease
- People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
In addition to vaccination, practicing good hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of hepatitis A. Washing hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food, can help reduce the risk of infection.
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Hepatitis A symptoms in children
Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver and causes inflammation. It is typically the least serious and mildest form of hepatitis. Children under 6 years old rarely show any symptoms, which makes it easy to spread the disease among young children. When symptoms do occur, they appear about 2 to 6 weeks after infection, or 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus. The child may experience flu-like symptoms, nausea, and fatigue. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause severe liver damage or even liver failure.
Symptoms of hepatitis A in children include:
- Pain and swelling in the liver
- Blood tests may show antibodies (proteins that fight infection) due to HAV
- Elevated liver enzymes due to liver damage or inflammation
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
If your child is showing symptoms of hepatitis A, it is important to contact a healthcare provider. There is no drug treatment for hepatitis A, but a healthcare provider can recommend ways to manage the symptoms. It is important to encourage your child to rest and stay hydrated. Children with hepatitis A may have less energy as their bodies are fighting the infection. It may be more difficult for them to complete daily tasks or eat three large meals a day. It is recommended to encourage your child to eat smaller portions more frequently to maintain their energy levels.
Hepatitis A vaccines are available and recommended for all children in the United States. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination for children aged 12-23 months and catch-up vaccination for children aged 2-18 years who have not previously been vaccinated. The hepatitis A vaccine is typically administered in two shots over 6 months, or three shots if administered with the hepatitis B vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to protect against hepatitis A.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children in the United States between the ages of 12 and 23 months.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed two single-antigen Hep A vaccines (Havrix and Vaqta) and one combination vaccine for protection against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B (Twinrix).
No, the vaccine is not mandatory, but it is recommended for all children aged 12-23 months as part of routine childhood vaccination.
Hepatitis A is almost always a short-term illness that clears on its own. Many children under the age of 6 do not show any symptoms at all. However, in rare cases, Hepatitis A can lead to severe liver damage or even death.
Yes, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends catch-up vaccination for children aged 2-18 years who have not previously received the Hep A vaccine.
