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                              Immunization Information for You and Your Loved Ones
                              Vaccines by Disease
                              Hepatitis A


    

    

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Hepatitis A








  
  
    

  
      



Hepatitis A is a serious disease that used to be more common in the United States. In the 1980s, the United States used to see as many as 30,000 cases a year. Thanks to the vaccine, the number of hepatitis A cases in the United States has dropped by 95%.

There are 2 vaccines that protect against hepatitis A:

The **hepatitis A vaccine** protects infants, children, and adults from hepatitis A
	The **hepatitis A and B combination vaccine** protects adults from both hepatitis A and hepatitis BFrequently Asked Questions
                        Why is the hepatitis A vaccine important?
    Because of the vaccine, rates of hepatitis A in the United States are the lowest they’ve been in 40 years. But hepatitis A is still common in other countries, so it’s possible for people to get the disease when they travel.

Most people who get hepatitis A only get a mild form of the disease. But in some cases, hepatitis A can lead to serious liver problems — and even death.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent hepatitis A.
      What is hepatitis A?
    Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus. Some people with hepatitis A don’t have any symptoms. Other people do develop symptoms, including:

Fever
	Feeling tired
	Upset stomach and throwing up
	Not feeling hungry
	Dark pee or clay-colored poop
	Pain in the joints and stomach
	Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)Symptoms usually last less than 2 months — but they can last as long as 6 months.

Hepatitis A usually spreads when someone eats or drinks something that has come in contact with the poop of someone with the hepatitis A virus. For example, hepatitis A can spread when someone who has it doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom and then touches food.

Hepatitis A can also spread from person to person through sexual contact. Learn more about hepatitis A.
      Who needs to get the hepatitis A vaccine?
    All children need to get the hepatitis A vaccine — and some adults may need it, too.

Infants and children

All children need to get the hepatitis A vaccine as part of their routine vaccine schedule.

Children need 2 doses of the vaccine at the following ages:

**12 through 23 months** for the first dose
	**2 through 4 years** for the second doseSee the **routine vaccination schedule** for:

Infants and children
	Adults

Adults at increased risk for hepatitis A

Adults who are at risk for hepatitis A can also get vaccinated. The shot is given in 2 doses — adults get each dose 6 to 18 months apart.

You may be at risk for hepatitis A if you:

Travel to a place where it’s common
	Are a man who has sex with men
	Use drugs (with or without needles)
	Are getting treatment for certain bleeding disorders, like hemophilia
	Adopt a child from a country where hepatitis A is common
	Work with animals that have hepatitis A — or in a hepatitis A research labIf you’re age 18 and older and at risk for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, you may be able to get a combination vaccine that protects against both diseases. You may be at risk for both diseases if you:

Are traveling to certain countries where hepatitis A is common
	Are a man who has sex with men
	Use drugsTalk with your doctor about how to protect your family from hepatitis A.
      Who should not get the hepatitis A vaccine?
    Some people should not get the hepatitis A vaccine — or may need to wait to get it. Be sure to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated if you:

Have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the hepatitis A vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine
	Are sick
      What are the side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?
    Side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:

Soreness or redness where the shot was given
	Fever
	Headache
	Feeling tiredSerious side effects from the hepatitis A vaccine are very rare. Like any medicine, there's a very small chance that the hepatitis A vaccine could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting the hepatitis A vaccine is much safer than getting hepatitis A. Learn more about vaccine side effects.
      Where can I get more information about the hepatitis A vaccine?
    Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) have detailed information about recommended vaccines.

Read the VIS for the hepatitis A vaccine.
	Find the VIS for the hepatitis A vaccine in other languages.

                    
  


Get Immunized

Getting immunized is easy. Vaccines and preventive antibodies are available at the doctor’s office or pharmacies — and are usually covered by insurance.

Find out how to get protected.







  Content created by Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) Content last reviewed April 27, 2021Back to top
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