Halton Region offers free Hepatitis A and B vaccines to eligible individuals.
Hepatitis A is an acute infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus.
It is easily transmitted from person to person through contact with the feces of infected persons. Infections from fecal-oral spread can occur by:
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually develop 28 - 30 days after exposure to the virus, although this period can range from 15 - 50 days. Initial symptoms of hepatitis A can include:
Hepatitis A can be asymptomatic, especially among children younger than 6 years of age.
The hepatitis A vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario for:
The hepatitis A vaccine should be considered for other high-risk groups including:
Good hygiene practices, like washing hands after using the bathroom, after changing diapers and before preparing food, can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. There are around 150 new cases of hepatitis B reported each year in Ontario.
There is no treatment. Most people get well, but about 10% will carry the virus for life and keep infecting other people. Some people will continue to have liver problems for the rest of their lives. Serious liver disease from hepatitis B virus can lead to liver cancer and even death.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. In Canada, it is mainly spread through unprotected sexual contact.
It can also be spread through:
Symptoms of hepatitis B include:
The hepatitis B vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario for grade 7 students
It is also covered for those with the following conditions or situations: