Hepatitis A is a very contagious disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a very contagious disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A virus is found in the bowel movements (stool) of people infected with the virus.
How is Hepatitis A spread?
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water or through close contact with an infected person.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Symptoms are often mild, especially in children. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Yellow skin or eyes
What are the risks of Hepatitis A?
Most people recover from Hepatitis A disease. For every 1,000 people infected, one to three will die. The death rate is higher in people over 50 years of age.
How can I prevent getting Hepatitis A?
The best way to not get Hepatitis A is to get immunized. The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get the disease. When you get immunized you help to protect others as well.
Who should get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
The Hepatitis A vaccine is given free (publicly funded) to people who are at high risk for infection starting at six months of age. Find out if you are eligible for a free hepatitis vaccine.
To get immunized against Hepatitis A make an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist (for those 5 years and older) or Public Health.
Those not eligible for a free Hepatitis A vaccine can buy it at most pharmacies and travel clinics.
Booking an immunization appointment with Public Health
Residents of Fraser East (Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope), call 604-702-4906
Residents in any other area of Fraser Health, call 604-476-7087
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Note: When making an appointment with Public Health, you will be offered a text message reminder through the ImmunizeBC text message reminder system.
Resources
For more information about Hepatitis A and the Hepatitis A vaccine, go to:
- Immunize Canada: Diseases and vaccines
- ImmunizeBC: Hepatitis A
- HealthLink BC: Hepatitis A vaccine
- Caring for Kids: Hepatitis A
- I Boost Immunity
Earn a vaccine for someone in need by answering a quiz. - Kids Boost Immunity
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