[Hepatitis A vaccination: a sensible luxury?]

Up to now travellers to the tropics could be protected against hepatitis A passively by administration of immunoglobulins prior to departure. Since February 1992 an effective active killed vaccine is available. The vaccination is indicated for the same group of people to whom protection with immunoglobulins was previously given, namely long-term residents and back-packers. Because it is effective and well tolerated, more liberal indications for the vaccine can be recommended. As hepatitis A is a self-limiting and mainly benign disease, passive and active vaccination is not essential and is somewhat of a luxury. Although the vaccine is effective and safe, general hygienic advice to travellers should still be the first priority.