Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccines are on the Australian Immunisation Schedule for:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia

They are also recommended for;

  • people with medical risk factors, including chronic liver disease and developmental disabilities
  • people whose occupation increases their risk of acquiring hepatitis A, including
    • people who live or work in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia
    • people who regularly provide care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia
    • early childhood educators and carers
    • carers of people with developmental disabilities
    • plumbers and sewage workers
  • people aged ≥1 year who travel to hepatitis A–endemic areas
  • people whose lifestyle increases their risk of acquiring hepatitis A, including
    • people who have anal intercourse (including men who have sex with men, and sex industry workers)
    • people who inject drugs
    • inmates of correctional facilities

Hepatitis A virus survives well in the environment and occurs worldwide. In Australia, it is particularly prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The disease

Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection of the liver, which can cause mild to severe illness. It is transmitted primarily by the faecal–oral route by ingesting contaminated food and water, or by direct contact with an infectious person. Hepatitis A is highly contagious.

The vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in hepatitis A–endemic areas in a 2-dose schedule at 12 and 18 months of age.

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all other risk groups (medical, occupational, travel, lifestyle) in a 2-dose schedule, with an interval of 6 months between doses.

Page reviewed November 2018.
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