Hep A Vaccine May Provide 30 Years of Protection

LONDON - Researchers studying the lasting effects of GlaxoSmithKline's hepatitis A vaccine Havrix say the inoculation may provide 30 years, rather than 10 years, of protection.

Following 155 adults who were vaccinated with Havrix in 1990, the team followed a mathematical formula to determine the protective antibody levels in those vaccinated would remain persistent for 20 to 30 years.

Hepatitis A infection can be contracted by contaminated water or food. Any region of the world without proper sanitation or running water is considered high risk. The virus can cause fever, malaise, jaundice, liver failure and death.

The results of the study were presented at the tenth International Congress on Infectious Diseases in Singapore.

Information from www.givenimaging.com