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Hepatitis A Vaccination Checker

AIH-based eligibility guidance · Updated January 2026

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A (HAV) is an acute viral infection of the liver transmitted primarily via the faecal–oral route — through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infectious person. It is highly contagious and occurs worldwide. While most cases are self-limiting, it can cause severe illness in older adults and those with pre-existing liver disease, where fulminant hepatitis mortality can reach 60%.

Incubation period
15–50 days (mean ~28 days)
Transmission
Faecal–oral; contaminated food/water
Outcome
Usually self-limiting; no chronic infection; lifelong immunity after infection
High-risk settings
Endemic travel areas, childcare, correctional facilities, drug use, MSM
Why vaccinate? — HAV survives well in the environment and is resistant to heat and freezing. Vaccines are nearly 100% efficacious and a single dose provides protection within 2–4 weeks. Vaccination has dramatically reduced disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Serological testing is not routinely recommended before vaccination — if there are no vaccination records, vaccinate.

Eligibility Screening Tool

Answer the questions below to determine vaccination eligibility and recommended schedule per the Australian Immunisation Handbook (AIH).

1 Contraindications — check first
⚠️ History of anaphylaxis to a previous Hep A vaccine dose or any vaccine component (e.g. neomycin, formaldehyde, alum)?
🍞 Using Twinrix (combination Hep A+B)? — History of anaphylaxis to yeast?
2 Precautions
🤰 Is the patient pregnant or breastfeeding?
🩺 Does the patient have a latex allergy or sensitivity? (relevant for Vaqta which contains latex)
3 Risk group & indication
👶 Is the patient an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child living in NT, QLD, SA, or WA?
Age of the child?
🫁 Medical risk factors — select all that apply:
👷 Occupational risk — select all that apply:
✈️ Is the patient aged ≥1 year and travelling to a moderately to highly Hep A-endemic area? (Africa, Asia, Central/South America, Eastern Europe, Middle East)
Time before travel departure?
Is there also a Hepatitis B risk at destination?
🏳️‍🌈 Lifestyle risk factors — select all that apply:
4 Prior vaccination / immunity
📋 Vaccination history — documented Hep A doses?
Is the patient in a group where serology before vaccination may be cost-effective? (Born before 1950 / early childhood in endemic area / unexplained prior jaundice)
Educational portal — Australian context and spelling. For clinical care, always follow local protocols and professional judgement.