Hepatitis Cases Decline After Vaccination
In a recent report, Center for Disease Control (CDC) researchers associated
an increased rate of vaccination to a decline in the incidence of
hepatitis A in the US. Researchers attribute this trend to the new vaccination
schedule recommended in 2006. The Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) recommended hepatitis A vaccination of all children
starting at 12 months of age as opposed to the former 24 months.
Results showed a remarkable increase in hepatitis A vaccination with both
one and two dose regimens. The CDC received this data from eight immunization
sites. Researchers state that even though a single dose of vaccine
is very effective, a second dose is highly recommended for on-going
protection. Healthcare providers are advised to encourage full hepatitis A
vaccination in children beginning at 12 months of age.
Hepatitis A virus is transmitted through contaminated feces. A person
can also be infected by eating undercooked shellfish contaminated
by sewage. Common symptoms of infection include nausea, diarrhea,
yellow discoloration of skin and eyes, darkened urine and right-sided
abdominal pain.