The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in a person’s body. It is about the size of a football and weighs about 3 pounds in the average-sized person. The liver is located on the upper right side of a person’s body, behind the lower ribs.
Almost all the blood in a person’s body passes through the liver. The liver performs hundreds of functions, including storing nutrients; removing waste products and worn-out cells from the blood; filtering and processing chemicals in food, alcohol and medications; and producing bile, a solution that helps digest fats and eliminate waste products.
For more information on Hepatitis-A see the CDC's website HERE
Indication and Cause
Hepatitis-A vaccine is for the prevention of Hepatitis-A which is serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis-A virus (HAV). The Hepatitis-A virus is found in the stool of persons infected with Hepatitis-A. It is usually spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the Hepatitis-A virus. Also it can be contracted by close personal contact with someone infected with the Hepatitis-A virus particularly in the same household.
Symptoms and Statistics
Hepatitis-A can cause • a mild "flu-like" illness, • jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, • severe stomach pains and diarrhea. One in five persons with Hepatitis-A are hospitalized and statistics indicate there are 3 to 5 deaths per 1000 cases of people infected with the Hepatitis-A virus.
Who should get vaccinated with the Hepatitis-A Vaccine?
Persons who EAT OUT and TRAVEL especially in foreign countries with high or intermediated prevalence of Hepatitis-A (i.e. Central or South America, Mexico, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe). The Hepatitis-A virus is the result of poor food handler technique (e.g. workers not washing their hands or simply fecal to oral transmission). You may come home from your vacation with MORE than just memories.
Administration and Dosing
For travelers, the Hepatitis-A vaccine should be administered at least one month before traveling to provide the best protection. For complete protection, two doses are required for lasting protection (life time). The initial dose and a second dose six (6) months later after the first dose.
Common (Adverse) Side Effects
Usually mild problems: soreness at the site of injection, possible headache, tiredness (approximately 1 out of 12 adults). The safety of Hepatitis-A vaccine for pregnant women has not been determined. But there is no evidence that it is harmful to either pregnant women or their unborn babies. The risk, if any is thought to be very low.
Conclusion
Receiving the Hepatitis-A vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.
HEPATITIS-A VACCINATION Q & A Form
Printable PDF Version ->
ALVARADO MEDICAL PLAZA PHARMACY 5555 Reservoir Dr., Suite 114, San Diego, CA 92120 Ph. 619.287.5035 * Fax 619.287.5098
SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE FOR HEPATITIS-A VACCINATION
Patient Name: ________________________
Assessment Date: ____/____/20____
Weight _____(lbs) _____(kgs)
Date of Birth: ____/____/_____
PATIENTS: The following questions will help us determine if the Hepatitis-A vaccine is appropriate to administer to you today. If a question is not clear, please ask the Pharmacist to further explain
YES
NO
Don't
Know
1. Are you ill (sick) today
2. Have you received a Hepatitis-A shot in the past If yes, do you remember when (best estimate date ____/____/____)
3. If you had a Hepatitis-A shot in the past, did you have a serious allergic reaction after receiving a vaccination?
4. Are you aware that Hepatitis-A Vaccine is a "two-series"
shot (e.g. first not now, then the 2nd shot (booster)repeated in 6 months[minimum])
5. Are you allergic to any medications or foods? (If so please list)
6. Are you
Left Handed Right Handed
7. FOR WOMEN: Are you pregnant or is there a chance you could become pregnant in the next three months?
I have read, or have had explained to me, the question listed above. I have had the opportunity to ask questions that were answered to my satisfaction. I have read and been provided the current Hepatitis-A VIS (Vaccination Information Statement) published by the CDC. I understand the benefits and risks of the vaccination cited and request this vaccination to be administered intramuscularly to myself or the person listed above (for whom I am authorized to make this request). For first time vaccinations, I understand that it is essential that I remain on location for approximately 15 (fifteen) minutes following administration.
Form consent/completed by: ____________________________ Date: ____/____/20___
---OFFICE USE ONLY---
Vaccination Administered by: ___________________________ Did the patient experience any reaction? YES NO
Get the CDC "What you need to know" sheet.
