What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A, commonly known as jaundice or dirty hands disease, is an acute infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is most commonly transmitted through the digestive tract by consuming contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A virus infection can sometimes be transmitted through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).
Although the disease may not cause any symptoms in children, it is more severe in the majority of adults and is characterised by a sudden onset, with jaundice developing in 40-70% of those infected – this usually requires hospitalisation. The average time between infection and the onset of symptoms is 28 days (with a range of 15 to 50 days).
Typical symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- nausea and vomiting;
- loss of appetite;
- feeling full after eating little food;
- fever;
- feeling unwell;
- abdominal pain;
- jaundice;
- dark-coloured urine;
- hepatomegaly (enlarged liver);
- skin itching;
- abnormal laboratory test results.
Less than 1% of infected people experience liver failure due to severe liver impairment. This is known as acute liver failure and is life-threatening without proper treatment.
Hepatitis A doesn't progress into a chronic state and spreads quickly through human contact. During the incubation period, infected individuals can be contagious to others for approximately a week after the onset of jaundice.
Who should be vaccinated?
Vaccination is particularly recommended for:
- people travelling to countries where hepatitis A is endemic or hygiene and sanitary conditions are poor, such as Africa, Asia and most Eastern European countries;
- people employed in food production and distribution;
- people exposed to occupational risks, e.g. those working in municipal waste and liquid waste disposal;
- people in risk groups with increased infection rates, particularly those engaged in homosexual contacts or people who inject drugs.
Who is the vaccine designed for?
Vaccine against hepatitis A is designed to provide active immunity in adults and young adults over 16 years of age.
Vaccination procedure
All available vaccines against hepatitis A are administered intramuscularly.
Primary protection can be provided with just one dose of the vaccine. To ensure long-lasting protection, a booster dose is recommended between 6 and 12 months after the primary vaccination.
It is commonly advised to receive the primary vaccination at least two and preferably four weeks prior to expected exposure to the hepatitis A virus.
What does the vaccine contain?
Each of the available vaccines contains inactivated hepatitis A virus.
How long does the vaccine provide protection?
The vaccine provides long-lasting immunity.
Current research suggests that patients with normal immune response who have been vaccinated with two doses do not need additional booster vaccination. Two doses of the vaccine provide immunity for life.
The vaccination may cause side effects
The most commonly reported side effects are:
- swelling, pain and redness at the injection site;
- gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhoea, nausea;
- feeling unwell, fever;
- headaches;
- muscle pain;
- joint pain.
Contraindications to vaccination include:
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients;
- Fever, acute infection or exacerbation of chronic disease – in this case it is recommended to postpone vaccination.
IMPORTANT! Please book an appointment with a primary care doctor, family doctor or nurse at least 6-8 weeks before your departure to qualify for the vaccination. If this is not included in the healthcare plan, patients should purchase the vaccination qualification separately.
Make sure you book your vaccination appointment within 3 months of the date shown on your order confirmation.
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