Who should receive vaccination against hepatitis A?

Individuals who engage in illicit drug use are at heightened risk for hepatitis A infection due to increased likelihood of exposure to contaminated food and water or through direct person-to-person contact. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, which can be more common among individuals who share needles or engage in other practices associated with drug use. Therefore, vaccination is highly recommended for this group to help prevent outbreaks and protect their health.

While health care workers, renal dialysis patients, and routines for vaccination starting at birth also have specific guidelines for hepatitis A vaccination, the choice focused on illicit drug users highlights a critical public health initiative aimed at mitigating risk in populations particularly vulnerable to the disease. It's important to recognize that while these other groups may have vaccination recommendations, the emphasis on illicit drug users directly addresses a significant concern in preventing transmission within a high-risk demographic.