Hepatitis A Vaccine has been licensed in the United States for use in persons 2 years of age and older. The vaccine is recommended (before exposure to hepatitis A virus) for persons who are more likely to get Hepatitis A virus infection or are more likely to get seriously ill if they do get Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A  is a highly contagious disease, mostly spread by improper hand washing after using the toilet. It is spread through fecal matter.  If someone who has Hepatitis A does not wash their hands properly after using the toilet, they can spread it to others, especially by preparing and serving food.

Tooele County, like the rest of the state, has a high rate of Hepatitis A. Children living in communities that have high rates of hepatitis (Tooele County is one) should be vaccinated beginning at 2 years of age. (Children are already being given the Hepatitis B Immunizations along with Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). High rates of Hepatitis A are generally found in urban (Salt Lake, Logan, and larger cities) and rural (Tooele, Grantsville, and surrounding areas).

Persons with Hepatitis A virus infection may not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. Older people are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms are present, they usually occur abruptly and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms usually last less than 2 months. A few persons are ill for as long as 6 months. The average incubation period for Hepatitis A is 28 days.