Hepatitis A Prevention: Good hygiene, Avoidance of raw seafood, Immunization | Singapore General Hospital
Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A - How to prevent?

Besides observing good personal hygiene, and avoidance of eating raw seafood and water contaminated with sewage, a more specific measure would be immunization. Such general measures would apply especially if one is travelling or living in areas where Hepatitis A is endemic like Southeast Asia ( including Singapore ), Mexico, Caribbean, South & Central America, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Immunisation

There are 2 methods of immunisation for Hepatitis A:

Passive Immunisation by immune globulin which is a preparation of antibodies collected from blood of persons who have been exposed to the Hepatitis A. This method of immunization is getting obsolete because of the short supply of immune globulin and the potential risk of transmission of other infection through blood products.

Active immunisation with hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A vaccine consists of the virus in an inactivated form. It is given in 2 doses, with the second dose being given 6 - 12 months later. Immunity after hepatitis A lasts for 10 - 20 years. Protection against hepatitis A begins 4 weeks after vaccination. We are however, not sure if the Hepatitis A vaccine is completely safe in pregnancy and lactation because of the theoretical risk to the developing foetus. It can however be used in immunocompromised patients eg persons on hemodialysis or persons with AIDS.

Who should receive the Hepatitis A vaccine?

  • Persons travelling to or working in countries that have high or intermediate rates of Hepatitis A. This essentially applies to travellers from a low risk environment who enter an endemic area.
  • Persons who work with Hepatitis A virus infected primates or with hepatitis A virus in a research laboratory should be vaccinated.
  • Persons with chronic liver disease eg. chronic Hepatitis B carriers as these patients have been reported to have a higher mortality.

Hepatitis A vaccination could be useful also for:

  • Sewerage workers
  • Food service workers
  • Healthcare workers
  • Day-care attendees
  • Hepatitis A & Travellers

Travellers from low risk regions visiting endemic areas should observe scrupulous personal and food hygiene.

For protection, travellers can be immunised using Hepatitis A vaccines. Vaccines may be administered 2 weeks prior to departure, followed by a booster 6 - 12 months later. Frequent or long-term travellers should consider this option as such immunity lasts for 10 - 20 years.

Hepatitis A - Causes and Risk Factors

Hepatitis A - Diagnosis

Hepatitis A - Preparing for surgery

Hepatitis A - Post-surgery care

Hepatitis A - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

TOP
Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone.