The hepatitis A vaccine protects against infection with the hepatitis A virus. While most people who get hepatitis A recover fully, without long-term issues, some may experience liver damage that is potentially life-threatening.
The vaccine offers significant protection against hepatitis A, which spreads easily through fecal (poop) particles in contaminated food and water or through close personal contact with a person who has the virus.
Since the vaccine appeared in 1992, hepatitis A rates have fallen dramatically, but outbreaks still occur in areas without vaccination programs.
What Is the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine uses an antigen (an inactivated form of the hepatitis A virus) to stimulate the immune system to make protective antibodies. These antibodies will keep you from getting hepatitis A if you come into contact with the virus.
In some cases, the vaccine can help prevent illness after exposure to the virus, although this is less effective than prior vaccination.
The hepatitis A vaccines available in the United States don’t contain any live virus. Doctors inject the vaccine into a muscle, usually in the thigh or upper arm.
As well as the antigen, the vaccine contains aluminum as a so-called adjuvant. An adjuvant helps increase the immune system’s response to a vaccine.
In the United States, the hepatitis A vaccine is available under the following brand names:
Havrix
Havrix Pediatric
Vaqta
Vaqta Pediatric
Twinrix for protection against hepatitis A and B (only for people 18 and older)
Full vaccination requires either two shots administered six months apart (for the hepatitis A–only vaccines) or three shots given over the course of six months (for the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination for:
Children ages 12 to 23 months as part of routine childhood immunization
Children ages 2 to 18 years who have not yet had the vaccine
Adults at higher risk of hepatitis A, including:
International travelers headed to places where hepatitis A is more common
Men who have sex with men
People who use or inject drugs
People whose jobs increase their risk of exposure
People who anticipate close personal contact with an international adoptee
People experiencing homelessness
People living in a community where there is a hepatitis A outbreak or a high rate of infection
People at higher risk of severe illness from hepatitis A due to:
You shouldn’t have the vaccine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have previously had a reaction to hepatitis A immunization.
The vaccine is very effective, especially after completion of the full multidose vaccine series. It offers a high level of protection for several years.
One dose can provide 95 percent protection after two to four weeks. A second dose will further increase protection, possibly up to 100 percent.
One scientific review found that children ages 1 to 18 who had one dose of the hepatitis A vaccine had over 95 percent protection for six years and over 74 percent at 10 years. Protection with two doses was 90 percent after 15 years.
This data was from universal vaccination programs in which all or most people in a community have the vaccine.
CDC guidelines recommend the following hepatitis A vaccination schedules:
Most children:
First dose between ages 12 and 23 months
Second dose six months or more after the first dose
Younger children traveling to certain areas outside the United States:
First dose between ages 6 and 11 months
Second dose within the routine immunization schedule
Older children and adolescents:
First dose between ages 2 and 18 years (if they have not already had the vaccine)
Second dose six months or more after the first dose
Adults who may need the vaccine should ask a doctor for their recommendation.
Dosage timing may vary slightly depending on the vaccine used.
According to the CDC, a completed multidose course of hepatitis A vaccine will likely offer protection for at least 20 years. The protection will be lower with just one dose.
The CDC says the hepatitis A vaccine is safe and highly effective even if you have a compromised immune system.
There is a small risk of serious side effects, but the risk of severe illness resulting from hepatitis A infection is much higher.
In the United States, around 100 deaths occur each year because of hepatitis A. Vaccination could prevent these deaths.
As with all medications, the hepatitis A vaccine can have some side effects.
Some people faint just after having the injection. It’s advisable to wait a few minutes before leaving the doctor’s office.
Common side effects that may need medical attention include:
A fever over 99.5 degrees F
Generally feeling unwell
Weakness and fatigue
Common effects that may not need attention include:
Soreness, redness, warmth, and swelling at the injection site
Arm pain
Loss of appetite
These symptoms usually last one to two days, and you can manage them at home. To ease a sore arm, massage the area gently and apply a warm or cool cloth.
Some people experience an allergic reaction to a component of a vaccine. Symptoms usually appear within a few minutes to a few hours after the injection. A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms include:
Hives
Difficulty breathing
Fever
Weakness or dizziness
Pale skin
Rapid heart rate
If this happens, seek medical help at once.
If you have any concerns about side effects from the vaccine, speak with your doctor.
People with certain health problems should tell their doctor before having the vaccine in order to prevent complications.
Tell your doctor about any medications you are using, as some drugs can interact.
The vaccine cannot give you hepatitis A as it is an inactive virus. It is safer to have the vaccine than to have hepatitis A.
According to the CDC, most private insurance plans and all Health Insurance Marketplace (Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare) plans must cover the hepatitis A vaccine, even if you have not met a yearly deductible. There should be no copayment or coinsurance charge.
The federal Vaccines for Children program provides no-cost vaccines for eligible children whose parents or guardians may not be able to pay.
The out-of-pocket cost of a hepatitis A vaccine can vary.
For one hepatitis A dose of pediatric Vaqta or Havrix, the CDC listed price is currently just under $24, while the cost from a private clinic is just under $39.
Hepatitis A vaccines are available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, community health clinics, travel medicine clinics, and some sexual health clinics.
To find a location near you, ask your healthcare provider or use the CDC's online tool.
The hepatitis A vaccine prevents hepatitis A, a viral infection that can cause serious liver disease in some people.
Experts recommend the vaccine for all children 12 months and older and adults at heightened risk of virus exposure or serious illness if they are infected.
For the standard hepatitis A vaccine, two doses at least six months apart can provide the highest level of protection; for the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine, three doses within six months are recommended.
