The Hepatitis A Vaccine

The hepatitis A vaccine protects against hepatitis A, a serious liver disease. It is spread to children through very small bits of poop (feces), such as from diapers and other children or from people who do not wash their hands thoroughly enough.

Vaccines have been available in the United States since 1995. Since then, infection rates have decreased by more than 95%.

Recommended Doses for Children and Teenagers

Children should get two doses of the vaccine, usually six months apart:

  • One dose between ages 12 and 23 months.
  • A second dose at least six months later.

Doses may be needed for:

  • Anyone traveling outside the United States who has not previously been vaccinated (including babies between ages 6 and 11 months).
  • Anyone exposed to hepatitis A who has not previously been vaccinated, within two weeks of exposure.
  • Teenagers and adults who were not vaccinated when they were younger.

For more detail, see Hepatitis A Vaccine Recommendations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Side Effects

The hepatitis A vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the hepatitis A vaccine, they most often include soreness or redness where the vaccine is given, fever, headache, feeling tired or loss of appetite.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.

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