hepatitis a vaccination at home

what is hepatitis a?

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious viral disease that causes the inflammation of the liver. The Hepatitis A disease can be mild and self limiting or severe resulting in cirrhosis,   fibrosis and  liver cancer. Hepatitis A disease is caused by the Hepatitis A virus or HAV virus and is spread by having contaminated food and drinks. Once infected the symptoms can take nearly 2 to 6 weeks to appear and once appeared it can last for another 8 weeks. Once infected, around 10 to 15% of people report the recurrence of the symptoms within 6 months of the initial infection. Although Hepatitis A is usually mild and self limiting in a few rare cases it can become extremely severe and result in acute liver failure.

The common symptoms of Hepatitis A include nausea, diarrhea, jaundice, fever and abdominal pain among others.  Hepatitis A is common in developing countries where people have no or limited access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation.

causes of hepatitis a

The main cause of Hepatitis A is the HAV virus, which enters the human body through poor sanitation, drinking contaminated water and food. Eating shellfish also results in Hepatitis A infection, as often they are bred in polluted water.

Once the HAV virus enters the body, it enters the bloodstream through the epithelium of the oropharynx or intestines. After that the blood carries the HAV virus to its prime target, the liver. Once in the liver the virus starts to multiply itself and affect the functioning of the liver.

diagnosis of hepatitis a

The main Hepatitis A test used in the diagnosis of the disease is a HAV – IgM antibodies test. This IgM Hepatitis A test is basically a  blood test  where the presence of antibodies named IgM are identified and its presence usually indicates the acute stage of the illness.

hepatitis a treatment

There is no specific Hepatitis A treatment  and the available Hepatitis A treatment is more aimed towards supportive care and effective management of the symptom. The Hepatitis A treatment basically involves providing nutritional balance, replacement of fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. 

As part of the treatment the doctor also prescribes a specific Hepatitis A diet aimed at aiding the liver recovery process. The special Hepatitis A diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole cereals and avoiding the intake of sugary and salty foods as it puts the liver under further strain.

hepatitis a vaccination

Since there is no active treatment of the HAV virus, prevention is the best approach towards this disease and the best prevention from HAV virus is provided by the Hepatitis A vaccination. The Hepatitis A vaccine is completely safe to use in adults and children and has a high efficacy rate of nearly 95% in preventing the disease. Once vaccinated the Hepatitis A vaccine provides immunity against the disease for nearly 15 years and possibly for an entire life.

The stand alone Hepatitis A vaccine does not provide protection from other types of Hepatitis like  Hepatitis B and C. There are two types of Hepatitis A vaccines widely available, namely;

• Live attenuated vaccine – This vaccine is widely used for Hepatitis A vaccination in China and in the Indian private sector.
• Formaldehyde – inactivated HAV vaccines – This vaccine is widely used globally for the Hepatitis A vaccination of both kids and adults.

hepatitis a schedule

The Hepatitis A schedule recommends the Hepatitis A vaccine to be given to all children and  adults in Hepatitis A infection prone areas. The Hepatitis A vaccine consists of two doses. The first Hepatitis A vaccine dose is to be given to children at the age 12 to 23 months and the second Hepatitis A vaccine dose to be given after a minimum 6 months from the first dose. In healthy adults a single dose Hepatitis A vaccination is also efficient in preventing the disease.

Hepatitis A vaccine booster is generally not required if the full course of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccine is administered or when Hepatitis A vaccine and typhoid vaccine is given in combination. The Hepatitis A vaccine booster is also not required if the second dose of the Hepatitis A vaccination is given within 6 – 12 months either in combination or as a single vaccine.

hepatitis a vaccine side effects

Apart from the general and mild Hepatitis A vaccine side effects, there is no major reaction to the Hepatitis A vaccination, except for in a few very rare cases. The common Hepatitis A vaccine side effects are;

Soreness at the site of the vaccine injection

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue

In a few rare instances some people also complain of shoulder pain, severe allergic reaction, dizziness and fainting.

hepatitis a vaccine cost

The Hepatitis vaccine price in India is dependent upon various factors like the type of the vaccine being used, the dosage and the brand of the vaccine. Apart from that there are also the additional charges of a doctor’s fee and the clinical or hospital charges that add to the Hepatitis A vaccine cost.  Usually the cost of hepatitis a vaccine averages around Rs 1000 in India.

how can we help?

Hepatitis A vaccination is a crucial vaccination needed to be administered to all children and adults especially in a country like India where hepatitis infection is common. Portea helps you get hepatitis a vaccine in India easily. With Portea getting this vaccination is very easy with our quality at home healthcare service that also offers hepatitis a vaccine at home. Our qualified and experienced doctors come to visit you at your doorstep at a time and day of your convenience, so all you gotta do is just sit back and relax. So if you too need hepatitis a vaccine at home, do give us a call and experience a comfortable and stress free vaccination process.

With Portea, you’re not just getting the best vaccination at home; you’re gaining a partner in your journey to recovery and well-being. We also offer a range of superior healthcare services, including doctor consultations, medical equipment, nursing care, physiotherapy, diagnostics and dedicated trained attendants. Rely on us for top-tier healthcare solutions tailored to your requirements.

vaccination near me

With the availability of home vaccination service, you no longer need to stress yourself about visiting a clinic or hospital and aggravate the injury. Just Google vaccination near me and make an appointment with a nurse on Portea. You will get the best trained nurses to help you in getting your normal life back as soon as possible.

faqs

Who should get the Hepatitis A vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 1 year and older, especially travelers to certain countries and those at increased risk of infection.

Is it safe to get the Hepatitis A vaccine at home?

Yes, receiving the Hepatitis A vaccine at home from trained professionals is safe, convenient, and effective. 

How many doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine are required?

Two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine are recommended for long-term protection, with the second dose administered 6 to 12 months after the first.

Does the Hepatitis A vaccine provide lifelong protection?

Studies suggest that the Hepatitis A vaccine provides long-lasting protection, although booster doses may be recommended in certain situations.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the Hepatitis A vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

What is the recommended age for the Hepatitis A vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 1 year and older, including adults who are at increased risk.

What cities offer Hepatitis A vaccination services directly to your home?

You can have the Hepatitis A Vaccination At Home in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and across other leading tier 1 and tier 2 cities. Access  vaccination services at home through Portea Medical Equipment by searching online for “vaccination at home near me,”or “ vaccination services near me,” and have the vaccine administered at your home