Prevention of hepatitis A in children
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In the hepatitis A focus for the identification of atypical forms, it is recommended to conduct a laboratory test: the serum of the blood (blood taken from the finger) is the activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) and anti-HAV IgM. Studies should be repeated 10-15 days before the end of the outbreak. With their help, it is possible to identify virtually all infected and quickly localize the focus of infection.
Strict control of public catering, drinking water quality, observance of public and personal hygiene is crucial for stopping transmission routes.
When a patient with hepatitis A is identified in the focus of infection, the current and final disinfection is carried out.
Vaccine prophylaxis of hepatitis A vaccine against hepatitis A is of decisive importance .
The following vaccines are registered and approved for use:
- vaccine against hepatitis A purified concentrated adsorbed inactivated liquid GEP-A-in-VAK, Russia:
- vaccine against hepatitis A with polyoxidonium GEP-A-in-VAK-pol, Russia;
- havriks 1440 firm "GlaxoSmithKline", England;
- havriks 720 of the company "GlaxoSmithKline", England;
- Avantis Pasteur, France:
- Vacta 25 units (50 units) of Merck Sharp & Dome, USA;
- tweenrix - vaccine against hepatitis A and B of GlaxoSmithKline, England.
Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended starting at 12 months of age. The vaccine is given intramuscularly twice as follows: 0 and 6 months or 0 and 12 months. A vaccine against hepatitis A can be administered concomitantly with a hepatitis B vaccine if the timing coincides. The protective level of immunity is formed in 95% of the vaccinated.
Reactions to the introduction of the vaccine against hepatitis A are relatively rare. Some children may have pain, hyperemia and edema at the injection site, rarely there are general reactions: fever, chills, allergic rash. In hypersensitized children, anaphylactic reactions that can be easily eliminated by conventional desensitizing drugs are theoretically possible.
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