Hepatitis A vaccine

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
inactivated hepatitis A vaccine	Havrix, Vaqta

This vaccine is given as a shot (injection) most often into the upper arm (deltoid) muscle.

How It Works

In response to the vaccine, which contains an inactive form of hepatitis A virus (HAV), the body makes antibodies against HAV. This response is known as active immunity.

Why It Is Used

Immunization with hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children beginning at 1 year of age. Two separate doses are given at least 6 months apart.¹

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made this recommendation in early 2006. Many young children and adolescents have not had the hepatitis A vaccine.

Immunization is also recommended for children and adolescents who have not had the hepatitis A vaccine and who are in the following situations:

• A community outbreak of the disease has recently occurred.
• They live in a state or community that has set up routine vaccination because the disease occurs there more often than in other areas.

In general, the hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended for people whose travel, job, medical condition, or lifestyle puts them at risk of exposure to the virus. This includes:²

• People who will travel to a foreign country where sanitary conditions are poor and hepatitis A is common. Plan for vaccination 6 months before travel, if possible. If not, vaccination at least 1 month before travel offers some protection, and 2 weeks before travel may also be effective³.
• People who have anal contact with a sex partner.
• People who work with monkeys that are infected with HAV and those who work with HAV in a research setting.
• People who have long-term (chronic) liver disease.
• People who have blood-clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, and must receive clotting factors from human donors.
• People who are awaiting or who have had a liver transplant.

Routine vaccination of hospital workers, food handlers, and child care center workers and attendees is not recommended at this time because their risk of infection generally is no greater than that of the wider community. If outbreaks of HAV infection do occur in those settings, people who were exposed to the virus should receive a shot of immune globulin (IG).⁴

The hepatitis A vaccine is believed to prevent HAV infection for at least 20 years.⁵

How Well It Works

Hepatitis A vaccine is 94% to 100% effective in preventing HAV infection when both shots in the vaccination series are given.⁶

The vaccine offers some protection starting 2 to 4 weeks after the first dose.³ But to have long-term protection, adults and children need to have a second dose 6 to 18 months later (depending on the recommendation of the vaccine manufacturer).

Side Effects

Although the hepatitis A vaccine contains components derived from human blood or plasma, there is no risk of exposure to blood-borne diseases.

The vaccine is safe and effective for people 1 year of age or older who have no known allergies to the contents of the vaccine.

Reactions to the vaccine are mild and usually do not last for more than 24 hours. The most common side effects include:

• Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
• Headache.
• Tiredness, fever, and feeling sick to your stomach (nausea).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

The vaccine does not provide protection against hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection until 4 weeks after the first shot, although you may have some protection after 2 weeks.³ If you may be exposed to the virus during those 4 weeks, you should also receive a dose of IG. The vaccine can be given safely with IG without altering the effectiveness of either. IG should be injected into a different site on the arm.

People who are allergic to the vaccine should receive IG if they will be at risk of exposure to the hepatitis A virus.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated November 16, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.