Give Hep A vaccination to all kids: experts
Posted on: Friday, 28 October 2005, 14:14 CDT
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - An advisory committee of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that hepatitis A vaccination be included in the routine vaccination schedule of U.S. children.
Hepatitis A -- a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus -- can affect anyone. In the U.S., hepatitis A can occur in situations ranging from isolated cases of disease to widespread outbreaks. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A. Vaccines are also available for long-term prevention of hepatitis A virus infection.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously agreed on universal hepatitis A vaccination for children between 12 to 35 months of age, with catch-up vaccination through the pre-school years.
The ACIP's last guidelines, released in 1999, called for vaccination of children living in states with the highest hepatitis A rates. The group decided to expand the recommendations to all children when it became apparent that most cases were now occurring in states in which hepatitis A vaccination had not been recommended.
"Routine vaccination of children is the most effective way to reduce the incidence of hepatitis A, " Dr. Steve Cochi, acting director of the CDC's National Immunization Program, said in a statement. "This recommendation is an important step toward the total elimination of the transmission of hepatitis A virus in the US."
Hepatitis A vaccination continues to be recommended for travelers to countries with high rates of hepatitis A, men who have sex with men, illegal drug users, and patients with chronic liver disease.
Source: REUTERS
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