Date last reviewed:
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023
ABOUT THE VACCINE
What is the hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against hepatitis A, a virus that attacks the liver.
Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is given to those 6 months of age and older. It is usually given as a series of 2 doses at least 6 months apart.
The hepatitis A vaccine is provided free to Indigenous children and youth 6 months to 18 years of age.
The hepatitis A vaccine is provided free to people at high risk of infection or severe illness, including:
- Those who have hemophilia or receive repeated infusions of blood or blood products.
- Those who inject illegal drugs or share drug snorting, smoking, or injecting equipment.
- Males who have sex with other males.
- Those with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, or chronic liver disease.
- Those who have had a stem cell transplant.
- Those who will have or have had a liver transplant.
- Inmates of a correctional facility.
- Those who are in close contact with persons infected by the hepatitis A virus – such as people living in the same house, sexual partners, close friends, and children in the same daycare.
- Those who have eaten food prepared by a food handler with hepatitis A infection.
People with HIV should get 3 doses of the vaccine. The second dose is given 1 month after the first dose. The third dose is given 5 months later.
If you may have been exposed to hepatitis A, you should get 1 dose of the vaccine within 14 days of the exposure to prevent disease. This is provided for free.
The vaccine is also recommended, but not provided free, for people likely to come in contact with or spread the hepatitis A virus, including:
- Those living, working or travelling in developing countries, particularly in rural areas, where hepatitis A is common.
- Household or close contacts of adopted children from countries where hepatitis A is common.
- Immigrants from countries where hepatitis A is common.
- Food handlers.
- Those with multiple sex partners.
- Residents and staff of institutions caring for people with developmental challenges where there is ongoing hepatitis A infection.
- Zoo-keepers, veterinarians and researchers who handle non-human primates.
- Those involved in research on hepatitis A virus, or the production of hepatitis A vaccine.
Anyone who is not eligible for a free hepatitis A vaccine can buy it at most pharmacies and travel clinics.
The vaccine is given to those 6 months of age and older as a series of 2 doses. The second dose is given at least 6 months after the first.
What are the benefits of the hepatitis A vaccine?
The vaccine is the best way to protect against hepatitis A infection. When you or your child get vaccinated, you help protect others too.
What are the side effects?
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get hepatitis A.
Many people have no side effects from the vaccine. However, for those that do, common side effects may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Headache, tiredness, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur after getting the vaccine. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility less than 1 in a million, of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. If this reaction occurs, your health care provider can treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Learn more about anaphylaxis on our vaccine side effects page.
It is important to always report serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider.
Who should not get the vaccine?
Speak with your health care provider if you have had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine, or any part of the vaccine. including neomycin, or to latex.
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns speak with your health care provider.
ABOUT THE DISEASE
About hepatitis A
- Hepatitis A is a virus that attacks the liver.
- Hepatitis A is found in the stool (poop) of infected persons and is spread through contaminated (unsafe) food and water or through close contact with an infected person.
- Symptoms of hepatitis A may include tiredness, fever, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine (pee), pale stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Some people, especially young children, may not have any symptoms.
- Hepatitis A infection rarely causes death; about 1 in 200 people infected with the virus will die.
- The risk of dying from hepatitis A infection is higher in people 50 years of age and older.
MORE INFORMATION
Learn more
- Read the HealthLinkBC File: Hepatitis A Vaccine.
- Talk to your health care provider.