The NYC Pediatric Viral Hepatitis Network



Hepatitis A Vaccine According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals should receive the hepatitis A vaccine: If you are 2 years of age or older traveling or working 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. The vaccine should be administered one month prior to departure to these areas. If you live in communities that have continued outbreaks or high rates of hepatitis A If you are a male who has sex with another male If you use injection drugs If you have chronic liver disease(s) If you receive clotting factor concentrates Lasting protection from hepatitis A virus (HAV) requires TWO doses of the vaccine, given six to 18 months apart. Any vaccine is capable of causing serious problems, although serious harm caused by the hepatitis A vaccine is extremely rare. Severe allergic reactions are usually apparent within a few minutes to a few hours of the vaccine. Signs of serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. Possible mild conditions which can occur a few days after vaccination and last for one or two days include: soreness where the vaccine was administered headache loss of appetite tiredness
Hepatitis B Vaccine About 1.25 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis B virus infection and less than half of them have symptoms. It is important for get vaccinated if you are 18 years of age or younger and adults over 18 who below to one or more categories below: If you have more than one sex partner If you are male and your sex partner is male If you are an injection drug user If you might be exposed to infected blood or bodily fluids, particularly healthcare workers Lasting immunity requires THREE doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. The schedule for most people is to receive the second booster shot 1-2 months after first dose and the third booster 6-8 months after the first dose. Pregnant women, infected or not infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), follow different vaccination schedules; please consult with your physician if you are pregnant. Severe allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine is very rare. Possible mild problems of the vaccine include soreness where vaccine was administered and mild to moderate fever; both are more common in children compared to adults. Contact your doctor if unusual conditions occur after vaccination, such as signs of serious allergic reaction and high fever. Severe allergic reactions are usually apparent within a few minutes to a few hours of the shot. Signs of serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness.