DOH Logo
Immunization Program

CHILD Profile

 Immunization Logo
skip main navigation

Hepatitis A Vaccine

The hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) is recommended for:

  • All children aged one year (12-23 months).
  • People aged one year and older who are traveling to or working in countries with high or intermediate prevalence of hepatitis A, such as those located in Central or South America, Mexico, Asia (except Japan), Africa, and Eastern Europe. For more information, see CDC's Travelers' Health Web site.
  • Children and adolescents through age 18 years who live in states or communities where routine vaccination has been implemented because of high disease incidence.
  • Men who have sex with men.
  • People who use street drugs.
  • People with chronic liver disease.
  • People who are treated with clotting factor concentrates.
  • People who work with HAV-infected primates or who work with HAV in research laboratories.
  • Children or adolescents in communities where outbreaks of hepatitis A are occurring.
  • Prevention of hepatitis A virus infection after exposure and before international travel.

Hepatitis A vaccine is not licensed for children younger than age one year.

For children:

  • The first dose should be given at age 12-23 months.
  • Children who are not vaccinated by age two years can be vaccinated at later visits.

For travelers:

  • The vaccine series should be started at least four weeks before traveling to provide the best protection.
  • Immunoglobulin is recommended for travelers <12 months of age.
  • Immunoglobulin should be given in addition to the hepatitis A vaccine if a person is vaccinated less than four weeks prior to international travel departure for full protection.

Other:

  • The hepatitis A vaccine series may be started whenever a person is at risk of infection.

Two doses of the vaccine are needed for lasting protection. These doses should be given at least six months apart. Hepatitis A vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Washington State is currently supplying:

  • Merck hepatitis A vaccine, VAQTA. The vaccine has typical availability.

Immunization Guidelines for the Use of State Supplied Vaccine (PDF, 82 KB) August 20, 2009
Vaccine Management - Recommendation for Storage and Handling of Vaccines

Vaccine Information Statements:

Related Information:

External Resources:

 

Last Update: 11/12/2009 03:20 PM