For persons who have already been exposed to hepatitis A, an injection of immune globulin will minimize the chances of becoming ill, if it is administered within 14 days of exposure. Household members, day care contacts, or others in close contact with an infected person should promptly call a doctor or the health department about the advisability of obtaining a shot of immune globulin. In typical workplace and classroom situations, contacts do not need to receive immune globulin. A vaccine to prevent hepatitis A is available, but should be given at least four weeks before potential exposure takes place. Therefore, its use is currently limited to persons whose activities are likely to put them at risk of exposure to the hepatitis A virus in the future, such as travelers to countries where the infection is prevalent.
Vaccination consists of two shots, given six to twelve months apart.
The initial dose will provide immunity to hepatitis A beginning in about four weeks and lasting about one year. The second dose provides long term immunity which lasts for years and perhaps is even life-long. For more information contact your Local Health Department .