Terry's case: A Youth at Risk

Answer:

Terry should be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

He engages in high risk sexual behaviour involving men and uses injectable drugs. These activities put him at increased risk of hepatitis A infection.

In addition, Terry has tested positive for both hepatitis B and C. The hepatic complications of hepatitis B and C can be severe. An individual with liver damage following HCV infection who is later infected with hepatitis A virus can be much more severely affected. Therefore, the hepatitis A vaccination would also be recommended for Terry on this basis.

It is not necessary to vaccinate Terry against hepatitis B. He has already been infected with hepatitis B virus and has therefore been "naturally" exposed, protecting him against further infection.

There is no vaccine against hepatitis C.

To consult theCanadian Immunization Guide Seventh Edition - 2006, for more information about hepatitis vaccinations, click here.

To consult the Viral Hepatitis page from Division of Health Care Acquired Infections, Public Health Agency of Canada, click here.