Hepatitis C and the British Columbia experience with hepatitis A vaccination.

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in British Columbia is approximately 1.5%. Experience in this province has revealed that groups at high risk of HCV infection are also prone to outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV). As hepatitis A infection can be fatal in HCV-positive individuals, numerous strategies have been implemented to help minimize its spread. The importance of vaccinating individuals at high risk for hepatitis C infection against HAV has been recognized.