Hepatitis A: post-exposure prophylaxis

Vaccine. 2003 Jun 2;21(19-20):2234-7. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(03)00138-5.

Abstract

We report on the findings of an exploratory review of evidence published in English from 1945 to identify the best post-exposure prophylaxis treatment and the longest acceptable interval after exposure for prophylaxis to be effective. We found no evidence that post-exposure administration of currently available immunoglobulins is effective in preventing hepatitis A infection and disease. The use of immunoglobulins for immunoprophylaxis should not be widely recommended until a systematic review of the evidence has been conducted. We recommend that active immunization to secondary contacts of exposed and vaccinated subjects be offered.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Exposure
  • Hepatitis A / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis A / transmission
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines
  • Humans

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Vaccines