Healthcare-associated Exposure to the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

HAV is transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route, either person-to-person, i.e., close personal contact with an infected household member or sex partner; or consumption of contaminated food or water.²⁴ HCP have not been demonstrated to be at increased risk for HAV infection because of occupational exposure.²⁴

However, HCP traveling to or working in countries that have high or intermediate hepatitis A endemicity should complete a 2 dose HepA vaccination regimen (Havrix or Vaqta) prior to travel. Unprotected HCP exposed to HAV should be administered PEP consisting of the HepA vaccine within 2 weeks of exposure and, under certain circumstances, coadministration of immune globulin (GamaSTAN IG) for HCP >40 years of age.²⁴