January 6, 2006

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending that all toddlers get vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus, a highly contagious illness that usually causes stomach virus-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal symptoms. Experts now believe that routine vaccination of young children against the virus will not only prevent individual kids from getting sick, but will also be the most effective means for preventing community outbreaks.

Hepatitis A can be transmitted when someone ingests anything that's contaminated with feces infected with the virus. It can be spread in contaminated food or water, as well as through unsanitary conditions in child-care facilities or schools. The disease may cause only mild symptoms in children and, particularly in children under 6, may produce no symptoms at all.

Although hepatitis A can cause prolonged illness for up to 6 months and mean weeks of absence from school or work in older children or adults, cases typically are short-lived and don't cause chronic liver disease, as other types of hepatitis can.

Although regional vaccination efforts and improved sanitary and living conditions have reduced hepatitis A incidence in recent years, it is still one of the most frequently reported preventable illnesses, and extensive community-wide outbreaks continue to be a problem.

The goal of vaccinating all toddlers is to reduce the number of hepatitis A virus infections in the entire population. Kids account for about one-third of all cases and are considered a major source of transmission. Because they often have no symptoms and aren't aware that they have the virus, they unknowingly pass it around. So doctors feel that giving young kids long-term protection from hepatitis A will eliminate a major source of the virus in the community.

In 1999, vaccinations were recommended for kids who lived in 17 states with the highest rates of infection. That vaccination effort reduced rates so dramatically that the AAP now recommends vaccinations for all 1- to 2-year-olds in the United States. Children should get the first dose of the vaccine when they are between 12 to 23 months old, and a second dose 6 months later.

Teens and adults who are traveling to countries where hepatitis A is prevalent should also get vaccinated, the AAP said.

Current research suggests that kids who get vaccinated are protected against the infection for up to 20 years.

What This Means to You

You can help prevent your child from getting - or spreading - hepatitis A virus by getting your child vaccinated according to the schedule recommended by the AAP. In addition, if you are traveling out of the country, it's a good idea to find out whether you should get the hepatitis A vaccine. If you have any questions about the vaccine, talk with your doctor.

It's also important to wash your hands thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet and before eating, and remind everyone in your family to do the same. Use antiseptic cleansers to clean any toilet, sink, potty-chair, or bedpan used by someone in the family who develops hepatitis.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2006