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What's new 02/02/2017

Vaccination for high-risk male attendees to control hepatitis A outbreak

Questions and answers on Hepatitis A vaccination

  1. Who can receive Hepatitis A vaccination through the free vaccination scheme?

    The Government has launched a free vaccination scheme since 3rd February as a one-off measure. It will provide two doses of hepatitis A vaccines, to be given at least six months apart, for target men who have sex with men (MSM). The vaccination arrangements for target MSM groups are as follows:

    1. The ITC (Tel: 2116 2888) will inform its current MSM attendees for vaccination;
    2. The AIDS Clinical Service of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Tel: 3506 5855) and the Infectious Disease Special Medical Clinic of Princess Margaret Hospital (Tel: 6461 0613) will also inform their current HIV-positive MSM patients for vaccination; and
    3. Current MSM attendees of Wan Chai Male Social Hygiene Clinic (Tel: 3103 2400) and Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic (Tel: 2359 4377) should attend the clinic for consultation and vaccination if appropriate.

  2. Can a non-HIV infected MSM join this free Hepatitis A vaccination scheme?

    Other MSM should consult their doctor if in doubt for vaccination in the private sector for personal protection. They can also attend the Wan Chai or Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic for consultation and further assessment.

  3. How long will the Hepatitis A vaccine take effect?

    In general, the body takes 2- 4 weeks to develop antibody against hepatitis A infection after vaccination. In the meantime, please remember to observe strict personal hygiene. People should avoid consuming food that are not thoroughly cooked, especially bivalve shellfish such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops, etc. Hepatitis A is transmitted faeco-orally (when an uninfected person contacts or ingests objects, food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person). People should therefore avoid contacting faeces of other person either directly or indirectly with one’s mouth during sexual intercourse. At the same time, people are advised for consistent use of condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV infection.

  4. Can Hepatitis A vaccine give full protection?

    Hepatitis A vaccination is a safe and effective means to prevent the infection. In general, 70% to 80% of people will develop antibodies after the first injection, and even higher and longer protection after the second injection to be given 6 months later.

  5. Who will get infected with Hepatitis A?

    Hepatitis A is transmitted by the faeco-oral route. Everybody can be potentially infected. Infection is not limited to HIV infected people or MSM only.

  6. What are the routes of transmission of Hepatitis A?

    In Hong Kong, most of the Hepatitis A infections are transmitted through consuming contaminated food and water. The virus can also be transmitted through close physical contact with an infectious person including sexual contact and not limited to anal-oral contact.

  7. Can I know if a person get infected just by looking at his appearance?

    Hepatitis A has an incubation period of 2 to 6 weeks. The infected person does not develop any sign and symptoms during the period, and therefore cannot be recognised from their outlook.

    After the incubation period is over, symptoms start to develop gradually. Early symptoms and signs are nonspecific and resemble those of the flu. As the condition worsens, the skin and the 'white' of the eyes will become yellow in color, and tea-color urine will develop. This is called jaundice. The majority of patients recover in a course of 3-6 weeks.

  8. Can safer sex (condom use) prevent Hepatitis A infection?

    Safer sex (condom use) can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV infection, but not Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is transmitted faeco-orally when an uninfected person contacts or ingests the faeces of an infected person. Therefore, people should strictly observe personal hygiene and avoid any behaviours that may potentially contact with faeces of other people, and avoid contacting any potentially contaminated objects. People should wash with liquid soap and clean water if they incidentally get contact with the above.

  9. How to prevent Hepatitis A infection?

    People should strictly observe personal hygiene to prevent Hepatitis A infection. Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before eating or handling food, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers. Avoid eating food that are raw or not thoroughly cooked. Vegetables and fruits to be eaten raw should be cleaned and washed thoroughly with safe drinking water. Scrub and rinse shellfish in clean water. Remove the viscera if appropriate. All shellfish should be thoroughly cooked before eating. Keep the premises and kitchen utensils clean. Avoid contact other people’s faeces. Wash thoroughly with liquid soap and water whenever getting contact with faeces. People who have not received Hepatitis A vaccine before can discuss with their doctors about this.

You may find further information about Hepatitis A in the following sites:
http://chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/24.html or http://www.hepatitis.gov.hk

 

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