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Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A Vaccine (Inactivated Viral)

15 min

About this service

HAVRIX® 1440 or HAVRIX® 720 (Adult presentation: 1440 ELU/1.0 mL; Pediatric presentation: 720 ELU/0.5 mL) ➤ What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a virus that attacks the liver. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some people, especially young children, have no symptoms. Hepatitis A infection rarely causes death. About 1 in 200 infected people will die. The risk is higher if you are 50 years or older. ➤ How is hepatitis A spread? The hepatitis A virus is found in the bowel movements (stool) of infected persons. It can be spread through close contact with an infected person, by drinking contaminated water, or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish contaminated with sewage. People with hepatitis A infection who use the bathroom without proper hand washing can pass it to others through food preparation or other hand-to-mouth contact. Sexual contact, or sharing equipment used in illegal drug use like needles or pipes can also spread it. ➤ Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine? The hepatitis A vaccine is provided free to Indigenous children and youth 6 months to 18 years of age. The vaccine is also provided free to people at high risk of infection or severe illness, including those who: - Have hemophilia or receive repeated infusions of blood or blood products - Inject illegal drugs or share drug snorting, smoking, or injecting equipment - Are males who have sex with other males - Have HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, or chronic liver disease - Had a stem cell transplant or will have or had a liver transplant - Are inmates of a correctional facility - Are in close contact with infected persons - Have eaten food prepared by a food handler with hepatitis A infection - Individuals with HIV

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