Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, which is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink, or by close personal contact with an infected person.4
Illness typically does not last more than 2 months, although up to 15% of patients may experience symptoms for up to 6 months. Symptoms can include fever, malaise, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice.4,5
Damage to the liver can occur, and, in rare cases, liver failure or death.4
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of someone infected with the virus.6 Symptoms typically last several weeks but can continue for a couple of months and may include fever, malaise, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice.6 For some people, acute hepatitis B leads to life-long infection known as chronic hepatitis B.5
Facts About Hepatitis A
International travelers, especially those visiting high-risk regions, are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis A.5,7
Hepatitis A occurs throughout the world. It is highly endemic in some areas, particularly Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Western Pacific.5
There is no seasonal variation associated with hepatitis A.5
Facts About Hepatitis B
For some patients, hepatitis B becomes a chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.6
There is an estimated 850,000 to 2.2 million persons with chronic hepatitis B in the U.S.5
In a clinical study, adults with diabetes have about twice the odds of acquiring acute infection.8
HBV infection occurs worldwide, and is more common in some countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.5
Hepatitis A Vaccination Eligibility Criteria
- Persons 12 months of age and older9
Hepatitis B Vaccination Eligibility Criteria
- From birth9
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations for Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults
ACIP recommends hepatitis B vaccination for10:
- All adults aged 19 to 59 years
- Adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B
For a complete list of ACIP recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination, visit here.
For further information on CDC recommendations, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
Hepatitis A & B Downloadable Resources
Download Hepatitis A & B Pharmacist Resources
References
- Overview of viral hepatitis for health care professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed October 31, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/resources/healthprofessionaltools/ABCofViralHepatitis.htm#print
- Nelson N, Weng M. Hepatitis A. CDC Yellow Book 2024. Reviewed May 1, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/hepatitis-a
- Harris A. Hepatitis B. CDC Yellow Book 2024. Reviewed May 1, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/hepatitis-b
- Viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A questions and answers for the public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed July 28, 2020. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm
- Foster MA, Haber P, Nelson NP. Hepatitis A and B. Chapters 9 and 10. In: Hall E, Wodi AP, Hamborsky J, Morelli V, Schillie S, eds. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. 14th ed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2021. Reviewed August 18, 2021. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/hepa.html
- Viral hepatitis. Frequently asked questions for health professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed March 30, 2022. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm
- Viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A questions and answers for health professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed September 27, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/havfaq.htm
- Reilly ML, Schillie SF, Smith E, et al. Increased risk of acute hepatitis B among adults with diagnosed diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012;6(4):858-866. doi:10.1177/193229681200600417
- Child and adolescent immunization schedule by age, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed November 16, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
- Hepatitis B vaccination of adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed March 28, 2022. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/vaccadults.htm