Hepatitis A - Medications

Medications

Although no medication can treat HAV symptoms after they develop, the hepatitis A vaccine is the most effective means of preventing hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. The vaccine provides 94% to 100% protection if you receive both of the shots in the vaccination series.⁵ However, the vaccine may not be as effective in those with weakened immune systems, such as people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).⁵

If you are not protected against HAV infection—either by vaccination or by previous exposure to the virus—and you have had close personal contact with someone who has hepatitis A, you should receive a shot of immune globulin (IG). IG is more than 85% effective in preventing HAV infection if you get it within 2 weeks of being exposed to the virus.⁵

IG is also recommended for:

• People who are known to be allergic to other vaccines containing the same ingredients found in the hepatitis A vaccine.
• Children younger than age 1 who have not been immunized with the hepatitis A vaccine and have been exposed to HAV, particularly children who spend time in day care centers.

Medication Choices

Hepatitis A vaccine

Immune globulin

For more information about the hepatitis A vaccines, see the Prevention section of this topic.

What To Think About

Immune globulin has been effective in controlling some outbreaks of the hepatitis A virus.