From the Guidelines
Hepatitis A vaccine is not universally mandatory, but it is highly recommended for certain groups, such as travelers to high-risk areas, individuals with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, and users of illicit drugs, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. The vaccine is typically recommended rather than required for the general population in the United States and many other countries. However, it may be mandatory for certain groups such as healthcare workers, military personnel, or during local outbreaks.
Key Points to Consider
- The standard vaccination schedule consists of two doses given 6-12 months apart, providing long-term protection against the hepatitis A virus, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 1.
- For children, the first dose is usually given between 12-23 months of age.
- The vaccine is highly effective and safe, with protection beginning approximately 2-4 weeks after the first dose.
- Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water or close contact with infected individuals, and vaccination is particularly important for those traveling to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.
Special Considerations
- Individuals with chronic liver disease or immunocompromised conditions may require a different vaccination schedule or dose, as outlined in the 2021 guidelines 1.
- Travelers to high-risk areas should consider vaccination as soon as possible, with a minimum of 2 weeks before departure, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 1.
- Men who have sex with men and users of illicit drugs are also at increased risk and should consider vaccination, as stated in the 2014 guidelines 1.
From the Research
Hepatitis A Vaccine Mandatory Status
- The hepatitis A vaccine is not universally mandatory, but it is recommended for certain groups of people, such as children aged 12-23 months, individuals at high risk of contracting the infection, and those traveling to areas endemic for hepatitis A 2, 3, 4.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination of children aged 12-23 months and catch-up vaccination for children and adolescents aged 2-18 years who have not previously received hepatitis A vaccine at any age 4.
- The vaccine is also recommended for adults at risk for HAV infection or severe disease from HAV infection, and for adults requesting protection against HAV without acknowledgment of a risk factor 4.
Recommended Groups for Vaccination
- Children aged 12-23 months 2, 4
- Individuals at high risk of contracting the infection, such as:
- Adults at risk for HAV infection or severe disease from HAV infection 4
Postexposure Prophylaxis
- The hepatitis A vaccine can be used for postexposure prophylaxis, but immune globulin is also recommended in certain situations, such as for patients who are too young to be vaccinated or if the vaccine is contraindicated 2, 3, 5.
- A study found that the hepatitis A vaccine and immune globulin provided good protection after exposure, but the vaccine may have slightly lower efficacy 5.