Hepatitis A vaccination

Hepatitis A is one of the inflammatory diseases of the liver, which develops as a result of infection with a virus of the same name. The disease can be diagnosed by clinical manifestations and laboratory data.

As a rule, infection occurs through contact with an infected person or through food and water in which the hepatitis virus is present.

The first signs of hepatitis A are similar to those of the flu. Also, the patient may experience acute pain in the stomach, diarrhea, yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes.

When infected with the hepatitis A virus, the patient must be urgently hospitalized. The hepatitis A virus does not cause chronic liver disease, but it can cause severe symptoms with acute liver failure, which can be fatal.

To avoid the disease, it is necessary to vaccinate against this virus on time.

What are the complications associated with hepatitis A vaccination?

Vaccination, like taking certain medications, can cause serious complications, one of which is an allergic reaction to the components of the vaccine. However, compared to other vaccines, it causes fewer complications, so it is easier for the body to tolerate vaccination than to recover from hepatitis A.

As with any vaccination, a person may have a fever during the day – this is normal. If the indicators are above 38,5 ° C, then it is necessary to take an antipyretic. Sometimes an inflammatory process can begin at the injection site, but often an allergic reaction manifests itself. If you are prone to allergies, take an antihistamine before the vaccination.

If itching and burning occurs at the injection site, you can lubricate it with any oil, baby cream, or buy a special healing ointment at the pharmacy that will effectively relieve irritation. In cases where the injection site is very itchy, you should not comb it, as you will only aggravate the situation.

If other reactions occur, report them to your doctor immediately. Your body may react differently to the vaccine.

Who needs to be vaccinated against hepatitis A

Vaccination against hepatitis A is necessary for everyone, but there is a certain category of people who should be vaccinated without fail.

So, vaccination against hepatitis A is necessary:

• children who live in cities with a high incidence rate (if an epidemic of hepatitis A has begun in your city, you should immediately contact a pediatrician and vaccinate your child);
• healthcare workers;
• employees of kindergartens and schools;
• people working in the service sector (especially those associated with food);
• persons who are going to visit a country where there is an epidemic of hepatitis A.

How is the hepatitis A vaccine given?

Compared to hepatitis B, hepatitis A is considered less dangerous and is not included in the list of mandatory vaccinations. Vaccination is carried out strictly at the request of the patient.

If you want to vaccinate yourself or your baby, then before vaccination, you must undergo a certain examination, in which blood is examined for the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis A virus.

Remember that the result of vaccination directly depends on the professionalism of the doctor. To avoid serious complications, the doctor must correctly administer the drug.

The effectiveness and safety of any vaccination depends on the competence of medical personnel and the correct administration of the vaccine.

Any hepatitis vaccine is given at a specific site, as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer, i.e. intramuscularly in the upper arm or thigh.

Children in the first three years of life are vaccinated in the thigh, and those who are older – in the shoulder. These places are not randomly determined, in the thigh and shoulder there is less subcutaneous fat, which can prevent the drug from penetrating into the blood. If the vaccination is performed incorrectly, then a seal forms in the patient at the injection site, which will not resolve for a long time.

When vaccinated in the buttock, the patient may begin serious complications and inflammation. Therefore, in no case do not agree to manipulation in this vulnerable spot.

When you decide to vaccinate your child, be sure to follow all the manipulations that the doctor does. If you notice any violation, then do not allow the vaccination to continue. Be sure to pay attention to the doctor’s hands. Before vaccination, the doctor must necessarily process them. The injection should only be given with a disposable syringe.

When can I get the hepatitis A vaccine?

This vaccination can be done at any age. Several injectable, inactivated hepatitis A vaccines are available on the world market. All of them have comparable efficacy in terms of protection and have similar side effects. None of the vaccines are licensed for children under one year of age. China also uses an attenuated live vaccine. Within a month of a single dose of vaccine, nearly 100% of vaccinated people develop protective levels of antibodies to the virus. Even in the case of contact with a source of infection, the introduction of a single dose of the vaccine during the first two weeks after exposure to the virus has a protective effect. However, manufacturers recommend two doses of the vaccine, which allows for long-term immunity for approximately 5 to 8 years after vaccination.

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