Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

The hepatitis A virus causes hepatitis A. It is mainly spread by coming into contact with an infected person’s feces – such as by drinking contaminated water. Rarely, the virus can be transmitted through blood or blood products. Hepatitis A is always an acute infection but it does not cause chronic infection. Cases of hepatitis A have declined in Canada due to the success of immunization programs. However, hepatitis A infections are still common worldwide and cases do occur in Canada. Globally, it is estimated that tens of millions of people catch hepatitis A every year.

The hepatitis A virus enters the body mainly through the mouth. It is usually spread by coming into contact with an infected person’s feces – for example, by drinking, or eating food that was made using, contaminated water, performing oral sex on the anus (rimming), or touching feces particles and then touching your mouth (e.g., touching an object someone who did not wash their hands had touched earlier). Uncommonly, hepatitis A can also be spread through blood, such as by sharing needles.

While anyone can catch hepatitis A, there are certain factors that put people more at risk for experiencing severe infection. Those more at risk for severe infection include people with chronic liver disease, who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), or who are over the age of 60.

Note: Hepatitis is a term that means inflammation of the liver. There are five main type of hepatitis viruses that cause hepatitis, known as types A, B, C, D, and E. Only hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination.

Check out our resources on hepatitis A immunization and share with your network!