Hepatitis A Vaccine

Addressing Common Questions about Hepatitis A Vaccination for Adults

What disease does this vaccine protect against? 

Hepatitis A vaccine protects against a serious liver disease caused 

by the hepatitis A virus. 

How common is this disease? 

In 2013, there were an estimated 3,473 new hepatitis A infections 

in the U.S. 

How is this disease spread? 

Hepatitis A is spread person-to-person through ingestion of 

something that has been contaminated with the feces of an 

infected person. This disease is usually spread by close personal 

contact with an infected person or by eating food or drinking 

water containing the hepatitis A virus. A person who has hepatitis 

A can easily pass the disease to others within the same household.

Who is at risk for this disease? 

Although anyone can get hepatitis A, some people are at greater 

risk, such as those who:

• Travel to or live in countries where hepatitis A is commo

Have sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A

Are men who have sexual encounters with other men

Use recreational drugs, whether injected or not

Have clotting-factor disorders, such as hemophilia

Are household members or caregivers of a person infected

with hepatitis A

What could happen if I get 

this disease?

Many people with hepatitis A do not have 

symptoms. If symptoms do occur, the 

infection can cause “flu-like” illness, jaundice 

(yellowing of the skin and eyes), and severe 

stomach pains. 

• Up to about 20% of people wit

hepatitis A will have to be hospitalized.

Adults with hepatitis A are often too ill

to work for a month or more.

Sometimes, people die as a result of

hepatitis A (about 3-6 deaths

per 1,000 cases).

In 2013, there were 80 deaths in the

U.S. reported as being caused by

hepatitis A.

For more information on this and 

other vaccines for adults, 

visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults.

DON’T WAIT.

VACCINATE! 

CS HCVG15-ADU-126 07/13/2016
Addressing Common Questions about Hepatitis A Vaccination for Adults

Who should get this vaccine?

When and how often is this vaccine needed? 

The following adults should be vaccinated with hepatitis A vaccine:

• Anyone traveling to or working in countries where hepatitis A i

common, such as countries in Central or South America, Mexico,

Asia (except Japan), Africa, and Eastern Europe

Men who have sex with men

People who use recreational drugs, whether injected or not

People with chronic liver disease

People who are treated with clotting factor concentrates

People who work with hepatitis A-infected primates or who

work with hepatitis A virus in research laboratories

Members of households planning to adopt a child, or care for a

newly arriving adopted child, from a country where hepatitis A

is common

For travelers, visit www.cdc.gov/travel for more information.

Two doses of the vaccine are needed for lasting protection. These 

doses should be given at least 6 months apart.

Who should not get 

this vaccine? 

People who have had a life-threatening 

allergic reaction after a dose of hepatitis A 

vaccine OR those with severe allergy to any 

part of this vaccine (including latex) should 

not get this vaccine. All hepatitis A vaccines 

contain alum, and some hepatitis A vaccines 

contain 2-phenoxyethanol.

How well does the vaccine work? 

Hepatitis A rates in the United States have declined by 95% since hepatitis A vaccine first became available in 1995. Most 

adults are expected to be protected from hepatitis A for at least 25 years after getting two vaccinations, although this can 

vary depending upon a person’s age and health condition. Getting vaccinated gives you the best protection possible against 

this disease. 

How safe is this vaccine? 

Hepatitis A vaccine is very safe. It went through years of testing before being licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) in 1995 and continues to be monitored for safety by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention (CDC).

Is it safe to get if I have certain health conditions or am taking prescription meds? 

Unless you have had an allergic reaction in the past to this vaccine or have allergies to certain components of the 

vaccine, it is safe to get. It is safe for people taking prescription medications to get vaccines.

What are the potential side effects of this vaccine? 

In some cases, the vaccine may cause mild and temporary (1 – 2 days) soreness where the shot was given, headache, and 

tiredness. The risk of hepatitis A vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. 

Where can I get the vaccine? 

Hepatitis A vaccine may be available at private doctor offices, public 

or travel health clinics, pharmacies, or other community locations 

(such as schools/universities). Check with your doctor or pharmacist 

or use the Adult Vaccine Finder (vaccine.healthmap.org) to help find 

places that provide hepatitis A vaccine near you. 

How much do the vaccine cost?

Most private health insurance covers 

recommended adult vaccines, including 

hepatitis A vaccine. Check with your insurance 

provider for details on whether there is any 

cost to you and for a list of in-network 

vaccine providers.

Last Updated May 2016