Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is one of the most important travel vaccines. It is a routine childhood vaccine in the USA and Australia will almost certainly follow in years to come. It is currently recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Hepatitis A is a major concern for travellers visiting countries where good public health infrastructure relating to water and sanitation is lacking.

The vaccine can be given from 12 months of age, but consideration might also be offered to children aged 6-12 months visiting high risk locations (Africa, Indian subcontinent etc). While the disease is likely to be mild (not all) in this age group, there is a possibility they can return infected and start an outbreak in a childcare centre or school.

The protection from two doses of the vaccine given 6 months apart will last for many years. One dose is rapidly and almost completely effective for one year. Hepatitis A vaccine can also be given as a combined vaccine with hepatitis B (Twinrix) or combined with typhoid (Vivaxim).

It is important to note that most children born since 1984 have, been vaccinated for Hepatitis B as part of the childhood National Immunisation Program. This NOT the case for Hepatitis A. Vaccination for Hepatitis B will not provide protection against Hepatitis A

Twinrix (combined hepatitis A and B vaccine) is normally given as a course of three doses over 6 months. Where time is short a rapid schedule can be given over 21 days. If the rapid course is used, a booster must be given after 12 months to provide long term protection. A rapid course might be considered in travellers who will be away for more than 6 months.

When the combined hepatitis A and typhoid  vaccine (Vivaxim) is used then only a second hepatitis A is required at 6 months. Typhoid vaccination provides protection for up to 3 years.

Post-exposure hepatitis A vaccination is possible but must be done within 2 weeks of exposure to an infected person.