Loading...
Decades of use have demonstrated the effectiveness of immune globulin (IG) as pre-exposure prophylaxis against hepatitis A for individuals traveling to endemic areas. Since 1995, hepatitis A vaccine has been licensed for pre-exposure prophylaxis in persons aged ≥2 years; in 2005, the minimum age was lowered to 12 months. Although two doses are recommended for optimal effectiveness, the first dose yields protective antibodies in about 85% of vaccinees.
Historically, postexposure prophylaxis has involved IG. But now, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has stated that for most people aged 12 months through 40 years who have not previously received the vaccine, one dose of hepatitis A single-antigen vaccine is preferable for this p…