The American
Academy of Pediatrics now recommends household family members and close
contacts of children adopted from countries with high rates of
hepatitis A virus (HAV) be vaccinated. The policy statement, “Recommendations for Administering Hepatitis A Vaccine to Contacts of International Adoptees,” in the October 2011 issue of Pediatrics(published
online Sept. 26), expands previous recommendations to only immunize
travelers who are seeking to adopt children from countries with medium
to high HAV infection rates. The new policy recommends routine
administration of the vaccine for all household members and close
contacts, including babysitters, during the 60-day period after the
arrival of the adopted child. The first dose of the two-dose series
should be given when the adoption is planned, ideally, two or more weeks
before arrival. The second dose should be given at least six months
after the first dose in order to provide long-term immunity from HAV
infection.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading …
Posted in 
Add to Google