What is the recommended prophylaxis for anyone potentially exposed to Hepatitis A?

• A. Do nothing; Hep A is self-limiting
• B. Administer Hepatitis A immunoglobulin (IgG) within 2 weeks
• C. Give a Hep A vaccine
• D. Monitor with serial LFTs for 3 months

Answer: (B)

After a potential Hepatitis A exposure, the priority is rapid protection to prevent infection. Hepatitis A immune globulin provides immediate passive antibodies that neutralize the virus right away, offering protection within days and lasting for several months. This is especially important when the exposure has just occurred and there isn’t enough time for the vaccine to elicit an protective immune response. While the Hep A vaccine can be given to help develop long-term immunity, it takes a couple of weeks to become protective, so it’s not as effective for immediate post-exposure protection. Immune globulin within two weeks of exposure therefore offers the best chance to prevent illness. Options like doing nothing or waiting to monitor liver tests do not prevent disease after exposure.