ProphylaxisImmunizationVaccination
To avoid a viral infection of the liver, a vaccination against hepatitis A should be administered as a precautionary measure. This active vaccination is usually administered as a combination vaccination together with the Hepatitis B vaccine. The body forms specific antibodies against the dead vaccine (killed viruses in the vaccine) and guarantees a vaccination protection of 90-95% in the first 5 years.
After about 10 years, the immunization must be refreshed. The vaccination is indicated for planned trips to countries with high hepatitis A incidence. Vaccination is also mandatory for medical personnel and sewer workers.
For basic immunization, two injections within approximately 12 months are necessary. Two to four weeks after the first vaccination, the protection is already very reliable, but only the refreshment after six to twelve months provides reliable long-term protection. In addition, a passive vaccination is possible, in which immunoglobulins are injected intramuscularly (intramuscularly).
They are extracted from the blood of infected patients and highly purified to create a vaccine. This vaccination is carried out less frequently, but is indicated when rapid protection is needed (for example, in the event of an unplanned trip to a country with a low hygiene status). If there has already been contact with an infected person, a passive vaccination can also be carried out.
However, this is usually not fully effective because the infection has already taken place. The effect of passive immunization lasts only a few weeks. Side effects of a hepatitis A vaccination occur in about 4% of the vaccinated patients, mostly within the first three days.
This can cause redness, swelling and pain at the injection site. In about 10% of the vaccinated patients, disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract, slight fever, increased sensitivity to cold, headache and aching limbs occur.In rare cases the liver enzymes in the blood may increase. Neurological abnormalities or blood clotting disorders occur only in extremely rare cases. Sometimes allergic skin reactions may occur, which manifest themselves as a skin rash.