Hepatitis A

Medications

Although no medicine can treat HAV symptoms after they develop, the hepatitis A vaccine is the most effective means of preventing hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. The vaccine provides 94% to 100% protection if you receive both of the shots in the vaccination series.⁶ But the vaccine may not be as effective in those with weakened immune systems, such as people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).⁶

If you have had close personal contact with someone who has hepatitis A, you should get the hepatitis A vaccine or a shot of immune globulin (IG). If you receive either the vaccine or IG within 2 weeks of being exposed to HAV, you probably will not develop symptoms of HAV infection.⁵

IG is also recommended for:

• People who are known to be allergic to other vaccines containing the same ingredients found in the hepatitis A vaccine.
• Children younger than age 1 who have not been immunized with the hepatitis A vaccine and have been exposed to HAV, particularly children who spend time in day care centers.

Medication Choices

hepatitis A vaccine (What is a PDF document?)

Immune globulin

For more information about the hepatitis A vaccines, see the Prevention section of this topic.

What To Think About

Immune globulin has been effective in controlling some outbreaks of the hepatitis A virus.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: September 9, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
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