Hepatitis A Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is the hepatitis A vaccine?

The vaccine is an injection that helps protect you from the virus that causes hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. The virus is usually spread by person-to-person contact or through food and liquid contaminated with the virus. The vaccine may be given in 2, 3, or 4 doses. The vaccine can be given with other vaccines.

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?

You may need the hepatitis A vaccine if:

• You were exposed to hepatitis A within the past 2 weeks.
• You have a chronic liver disease or HIV.
• You are male and have sex with males.
• You live in or are traveling to an area where hepatitis A is common or has an active outbreak.
• You use street drugs.
• You work with primates infected with the hepatitis A virus, or you work with the virus in a research lab.
• You are adopting a child, or caring for a newly arrived child from a country where hepatitis A is common.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding and are at risk for hepatitis A.

What are reasons I should not get the hepatitis A vaccine or should wait to get it?

Do not get a second dose of the vaccine if you had a severe allergic reaction to the first. Ask if the vaccine contains ingredients that can trigger a reaction if you have a severe allergy. Wait to get the vaccine if you are sick or have a fever on the day of your appointment.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
• ProQuad
• Rotarix
• RotaTeq
• rotavirus vaccine

What are the risks of the hepatitis A vaccine?

The area where you got the shot may be sore or tender. This is usually mild and goes away in a few hours. You may also have a headache, loss of appetite, or feel tired for up to 2 days. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, or wheezing.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have a high fever or any symptoms that concern you.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have questions or concerns about the hepatitis A vaccine.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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