Hepatitis A: is a Liver Disease Caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A can affect anyone. In the United States, hepatitis A can occur in situations ranging from isolated cases of disease to widespread epidemics.
Hepatitis B: is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
Hepatitis C: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.
Hepatitis D: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), a defective virus that needs the hepatitis B virus to exist. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found in the blood of persons infected with the virus.
Hepatitis E: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmitted in much the same way as hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis E, however, does not occur often in the United States.
Now, the FAQ from CDC:
WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED AGAINST HEPATITIS A?
Hepatitis A vaccination provides protection before one is exposed to hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for the following groups who are at increased risk for infection and for any person wishing to obtain immunity.
Children in states, counties, and communities where rates of hepatitis A were/are at least twice the national average during the baseline period of 1987-1997.
Children living in states, counties, and communities where rates of hepatitis A are at least twice the national average ( ≥ 20 cases/1000,000) in baseline period should be routinely vaccinated beginning at 12 months of age. High rates of hepatitis A have been found in these populations, both in urban and rural settings. In addition, to effectively prevent epidemics of hepatitis A, vaccination of previously unvaccinated older children is recommended within 5 years of initiation of routine childhood vaccination programs. Although rates differ among areas, available data indicate that a reasonable cutoff age in many areas is 10-15 years of age because older persons have often already had hepatitis A. Vaccination of children before they enter school should receive highest priority, followed by vaccination of older children who have not been vaccinated.
I had a short chat with my children’s paediatrician and the feedback I get is briefly summarised as “Though this is not part of our national vaccination schedule, parents who wish to give this vaccination to their children is entirely up to their decision.”
Parents may wish to note that we have a lot of different kind of vaccinations available but are we going to inject our children with every single one of them? If your respective doctor recommended it and there is a good rationale for them, of course take it. Like the Heptatis B, it is in our national vaccination schedule because of the high incidence. But our Government probably did not provide free vaccinations for Heptatitis A due to several reasons, one of them being the costly jab?
My personal word is ‘Don’t let any party lead us into a state of fear of the unknown for the sake of money.’ Be a well informed parent, read, ask and seek more knowledge
Originally posted 2006-05-05 15:48:27.
