Hepatitis A Vaccine: Overview
The Hepatitis A virus may be transferred from the stool of one person to the mouth of another. The virus usually enters the body through sewage contaminated water and food, especially raw shellfish. Hepatitis A is characterized by mild "flu-like" symptoms, jaundice, severe stomach pains and diarrhea. Health officials recommend practicing good hygiene to avoid exposure, especially when traveling in developing countries.
People over the age of one who travel or work in countries with high rates of Hepatitis A, such as those located in Central or South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia (except Japan), Africa, and southern or eastern Europe should consider the Hepatitis A vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine, given at least 6 months apart, are needed for lasting protection.
Recently, a British medical company withdrew two Hepatitis A vaccines, VAQTA Pediatric and VAQTA Adult, when it discovered that the vaccines were not as potent as believed and therefore may not provide adequate protection against the disease. The recalled vaccines were introduced in 1997 and 1998.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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