About hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is spread through contact with people infected with the disease, their fluids or waste. It affects your liver and usually causes mild illness but can sometimes be severe and result in liver failure. Adults are more likely to have severe symptoms than children.
Case definitions
National guidelines
Prevention
Vaccination can protect you against hepatitis A. Your doctor may suggest you be vaccinated if you're planning to visit a region where hepatitis A is common.
If you're eligible, you can get hepatitis A vaccines for free under the National Immunisation Program. See more information about when to get vaccinated.
Vaccination
Find out more about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
For information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see healthdirect's hepatitis A page.
Surveillance and reporting
Hepatitis A is a nationally notifiable disease.
We monitor cases through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
For more on hepatitis A in Australia, you can search Communicable Diseases Intelligence.