What is Immune globulin (IG)?
Immune globulin (IG) is a blood plasma product that can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure to an infected individual. IG is effective 80-90% of the time. IG is necessary if the exposed person has not been vaccinated against hepatitis A and has never had a hepatitis A infection. Immune globulin provides protection against hepatitis A for about 3 months, vaccine is needed for long-term protection. Immune globulin may be recommended for you if you: Live with someone who has hepatitis A. Have eaten food or put objects in your mouth handled by a person infected with hepatitis A. Have had sexual or other intimate contact with a person who has hepatitis A. Are traveling to an area where hepatitis A is common (see above list). Are a child attending, or an employee of a child care program in which another child or employee has hepatitis A. Information courtesy of Seattle and King County Public Health at (http://www.metrokc.
