This Library Guide is a collection of useful documents & evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness and impact of the Hepatitis A vaccines to support NITAG members and other policy makers throughout Africa with making evidence-based recommendations
Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV); it is a type of viral hepatitis. Many cases have few or no symptoms, especially in the young.The time between infection and symptoms, in those who develop them, is two to six weeks. When symptoms occur, they typically last eight weeks and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. Around 10–15% of people experience a recurrence of symptoms during the six months after the initial infection. Acute liver failure may rarely occur, with this being more common in the elderly. (Hepatitis A. (2024, May 5). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_A )
It is usually spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with infected feces. Undercooked or raw shellfish are relatively common sources. It may also be spread through close contact with an infectious person. While children often do not have symptoms when infected, they are still able to infect others. After a single infection, a person is immune for the rest of their life. Diagnosis requires blood testing, as the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other diseases. It is one of five known hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. (Hepatitis A. (2024, May 5). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_A )
The hepatitis A vaccine is effective for prevention. Some countries recommend it routinely for children and those at higher risk who have not previously been vaccinated. It appears to be effective for life. Other preventive measures include hand washing and properly cooking food. No specific treatment is available, with rest and medications for nausea or diarrhea recommended on an as-needed basis. Infections usually resolve completely and without ongoing liver disease. Treatment of acute liver failure, if it occurs, is with liver transplantation. (Hepatitis A. (2024, May 5). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_A )
In general, CDC recommends the following groups be vaccinated for hepatitis A:
All children at age 1 year
Travelers to countries that have high rates of hepatitis A
Family members and caregivers of recent adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common
Men who have unprotected sexual contact with other men
Users of injection and illegal drugs
People with chronic (lifelong) liver diseases, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
People who are treated with clotting-factor concentrates
People who work with hepatitis A infected animals or in a hepatitis A research laboratory