Selective Vaccines
Hepatitis A
In 2006 Hepatitis A vaccination was incorporated into the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Therefore many adults did not receive the Hepatitis A vaccine as a child. There are specific groups that should be vaccinated as adults so be familiar with the list below. Keep in mind that post-exposure prophylaxis for HAV is available. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to HAV should receive a single-antigen HAV vaccine or immune globulin within two weeks of the exposure.
What to know in clinic:
Administer missing doses to complete a 2 dose series (0, 6 months)
If the immunization schedule is interrupted the 2nd dose can be given without restarting the series.
Anyone can be vaccinated but specific indications include the following:
- current or recent injection drug users
- men who have sex with men
- those working with HAV-infected primates or with HAV in lab
- chronic liver disease
- those receiving clotting factor concentrates
- travelers to regions of high endemic HAV infection
- close contact with international adoptee during first 60 days of arrival to US from high endemic HAV country
- adults in the following settings: STD treatment, HIV testing/treatment, drug abuse treatment/prevention, correctional facilities, ESRD programs, developmental disability facilities