Parenthood is hard at times — but vaccinating your child against hepatitis A does not have to be.
Don’t miss an opportunity to help protect your child through hepatitis A vaccination.
Here are a few important facts to know about hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is found in the stool of an infected person.
Spreads through close contact with an infected person
Spreads through contaminated food or water
Causes liver inflammation
Know how you can help protect your child
Talk to your child’s health care provider to learn more about hepatitis A.
Why should you be concerned about the risk of hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A can potentially be a serious disease in children, especially as they get older — get them vaccinated while they are still regularly seen by a health care provider.
Did you know?
From 2015 to 2020, there was more than a 4x increase in reported hepatitis A cases among young adults (20-29 years old).a
a2020 data from the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Hepatitis Surveillance Report.
Talk to their health care provider about hepatitis A vaccination.
From their first steps to the day they leave the nest — here’s what you can do to help protect them from hepatitis A
While they’re taking their first steps, make a plan with their health care provider to vaccinate them against hepatitis A.
While you’re helping them prepare for school, talk to their health care provider to ensure they’re up to date on their hepatitis A vaccinations.
Whether they’re getting ready for their first day of college, or their first day of work, check in with their health care provider. Make sure they’ve completed their hepatitis A vaccinations.
Selected hepatitis A vaccination recommendations for children (1 to 18 years of age):
Routine vaccination: 2-dose series for children 12-23 months of age (minimum interval: 6 months).
Catch-up vaccination: 2-dose series for all children and adolescents aged 2-18 years of age not previously vaccinated (minimum interval: 6 months).
- Persons who previously received their first dose at age 12 months or older should receive a second dose at least 6 months after dose 1.
Talk to their health care provider about hepatitis A vaccination.
Frequently Asked Questions about hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A virus causes a highly contagious liver infection. It is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that causes inflammation of the liver. It can also reduce liver function. Hepatitis A generally causes acute illness lasting a few weeks; and in rare cases it can be severe, potentially leading to liver failure or death.
How do you get a hepatitis A infection?
Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool of an infected person. You can get the virus from close, personal contact with an infected person. It can be easily spread through contact with shared objects, food, or water contaminated with infected stool.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A infection?
In some people, symptoms can begin within 2 to 7 weeks after infection. While not everyone has symptoms, they are more likely to occur in teens and adults than in young children.
- fever
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- dark urine or light-colored stools
- diarrhea
- joint pain
- feeling tired
- nausea
- stomach pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Why should I vaccinate my child against hepatitis A infection?
Hepatitis A can be highly contagious, but it may be preventable.