Hepatitis A Vaccine: What You Need to Know

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool of persons with Hepatitis A.  It is usually spread by close personal contact and by eating food or drinking water containing HAV.

Who should get Hepatitis A vaccine and when?

• Persons 2 years of age and 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 series should be started at least one month before traveling.
  

• Persons who use intravenous drugs.
  

• Persons with chronic liver disease.
  

• Persons who receive clotting factor concentrates.

• Men who have sex with other men.