Abstract: Objective The epidernic characteristics of hepatitis A in Shantou city from 1990 through 2003 were analyzed with the intention to provide a scientific basis for working out tactics to prevent and control the disease Methods The epidemic characteristics of hepatitis A before and after administration of the vaccine against the disease in Shantou City were analyzed and compared Results Before apply ing the vaccine，the morbidity was in wave，its peak period being from March to June，people aged 5-9 and 20-24 frequently afected，mostly being pupils，students，children living scattered，workers，and peasants. With the application of the vaccine，the incidence othe disease dropped year after year，the peak still from March to June，though less at acute，with the age-group between 20 and 24 more frequently affected. Conclusion Owing to the popularization of the vaccine against hepatitis A，the epidemic characteristics of the disease have changed. The future immunity tactics in preventing and controlling hepatitis A lies ln routine immune inoculation for small children，and then speeds lt up for older ones.