The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended hepatitis A vaccinations for anyone who will come in close contact with children who are adopted from countries where the virus is prevalent. The decision comes in the wake of the death of a 51-year-old grandmother who contracted the disease from her adopted grandchild.

"Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus, which can spread through handling a diaper or other contact with contaminated feces. Federal guidelines call for vaccinations against it for all U.S. children and for adults who travel to countries where the illness is common."

Children who are adopted internationally don't typically have recommended vaccinations until after they have arrived in the United States. Source: Associated Press

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Posted By: Aspen Education Group