Vaccinations for Adults with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
by Joseph S. Galati, M.D.

Visit Liver Q&A on our website for answers to other frequently asked questions.

Adults who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) need to make sure they're fully vaccinated. Seventy percent of people who are infected with HCV have chronic liver disease. People with chronic liver disease have special vaccination needs including pneumococcal vaccine and hepatitis A vaccine. Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting job. Make sure you and your health care professional keep your shots up-to-date! Don't leave your clinic without making sure that you've had all the shots you need.

Hepatitis A			Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people with chronic liver disease. It is also recommended before travel to certain countries. Some of the ways you can get hepatitis A are from contaminated food or water, or illegal drug use. The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A is by vaccination. Talk to your doctor.
			first dose now			second dose 6-12 months later
Hepatitis B			A person who has hepatitis C can still get hepatitis B. Forty percent of people who contract hepatitis B do not know how they contracted the disease. Some of the risk factors include sex, sharing needles, sharing toothbrushes and being a health care worker. The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis B is through vaccination. Talk to your doctor.
			first dose now			second dose one month later			third dose is usually given five months after the second dose
Pneumococcal			The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all people ages 2 and older who have chronic liver disease or certain other chronic illnesses. It is also recommended for all persons who are age 65 or older. Some individuals with particular health risks will need a one-time revaccination dose 5 years later or at age 65. Consult your doctor.
Influenza “flu shot”			Influenza can result in serious illness or complications. The "flu shot" is recommended every fall for people age 65 or older. While the vaccine is not specifically recommended for persons with chronic liver disease, it can be given to any person (regardless of age) who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza. Influenza vaccine is also recommended for women who will be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy during "flu" season; residents of long-term care facilities; and anyone who has a medical problem such as heart or lung disease (including asthma), diabetes, kidney disease, or an immune system weakened by disease or medication; and for those who work with or live with any of these individuals.
Tetanus, diphtheria (Td) often referred to as "tetanus shot"			If you haven't had at least 3 basic tetanus-diphtheria shots in your lifetime, you need to complete the series listed below:						All adults need a booster dose every 10 years
			first dose now			second dose 4 weeks later			third dose 6-12 months after the second dose
Measles, mumps, rubella			One dose of MMR is recommended for people born in 1957 or later if they have not been previously vaccinated. (A second dose of MMR may be required in some work or school settings, or recommended for international travel.) People born before 1957 are usually considered immune.
Varicella for those who have never had chickenpox			first dose now			second dose 4-8 weeks later

 

BACK TO TOP