Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to protect your child against infection. It is recommended for children:

• who are older than 12 months, travelling to places where hepatitis A is common
• have been in close contact with an infected person
• with developmental disabilities
• with liver disease or who have had a liver transplant.

It is also recommended for teenagers and young people who:

• Work in areas at increased risk of infection:
  • plumbers and sewage workers
  • people who work with children
  • people who work with people with developmental disabilities
• inject drugs
• have anal sex
• are inmates of prisons or juvenile justice settings.

Protection against hepatitis A is available free-of-charge under the National Immunisation Program Schedule for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (between 12 and 24 months) who live in high-risk areas.

The hepatitis A vaccine is given as multiple injections over a six to 12-month period.

Children who are otherwise healthy and ages over 12 years old will have:

• two doses of a hepatitis A vaccine if given on its own
• three doses if the hepatitis A and B vaccines are combined.

Your child can complete any missed doses, even if the recommended time frame has passed. They do not need to start the vaccine course again.

If your child is in close contact with someone who has hepatitis A and they have not been vaccinated, they should do this as soon as possible.

An injection of normal human immunoglobulin can be used instead of the hepatitis A vaccine for children who have had contact with hepatitis A and are:

• under 12 months old
• have a weakened immune system.

Side effects of the vaccine can include:

• pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
• low-grade temperature or fever
• mild headache.

Practising good hygiene is important for reducing the risk of contracting and spreading hepatitis A.

You can do this by supporting your child to:

• wash their hands with soap and hot running water before and after:
  • handling food
  • going to the toilet
  • handling soiled nappies
  • touching anal area of another person, for example changing a nappy or wiping a bottom.
• Using a clean towel or disposable paper towel to dry hands after washing
• cleaning bathrooms and toilets often, paying attention to toilet seats, handles, taps and nappy change tables.

Teenagers and young people who are sexually active should:

• use barrier protection like condoms and dams when having sex (including digital, oral, anal, and vaginal) 
• avoid having sex with someone who is infected with the hepatitis A virus
• see their local sexual health clinic or doctor for information and advice about safe sex and testing.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people travelling to countries and areas where there are lower levels of cleanliness and less access to clean drinking water. Speak to your doctor about travel vaccines before leaving the country.

While travelling, you should also try to:

• drink bottled water with an unbroken seal
• avoid drinks that are unpackaged or contain ice
• avoid eating raw food such as fruit or salad
• avoid uncooked foods, particularly vegetables and fruit that you have not peeled, prepared, or boiled yourself
• avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish
• make sure cooked food is hot and eat it right away
• avoid shellfish and unpasteurised dairy products
• avoid eating food from street vendors.

When outdoors, always boil your drinking water if it comes from an untreated source, like a river.

If you, your child, or someone close to you contracts hepatitis A, it will be important to stop:

• preparing food and drink for others
• sharing eating and drinking utensils
• sharing linens and towels.

Children and teenagers who have hepatitis A should check with their doctor before returning to work or school.