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What is the most important information I should know about hepatitis A vaccine?

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. Those who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting hepatitis A vaccine.

What is hepatitis A vaccine?

Hepatitis A is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the stool of persons with hepatitis A. HAV can be spread through close personal contact, by drinking contaminated water or by eating contaminated food. HAV can also be spread by having unprotected sex with an infected person, by sharing needles when injecting drugs or by being stuck with a used needle on the job. Hepatitis A vaccine exposes the individual to a small amount of the virus (or to a protein from the virus) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.

Hepatitis A infection can cause a "flu-like" illness that leads to loss of appetite; diarrhea and vomiting; tiredness; jaundice (yellow skin or eyes); or pain in the muscles, joints, and stomach.

Vaccination with hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for persons 2 years of age and older traveling or working in areas with high rates of hepatitis A infection. These areas include Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia (except Japan), Africa, southern or eastern Europe, and others. Primary immunization should be completed at least 2 weeks prior to expected exposure to HAV.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving hepatitis A vaccine?

Before receiving a hepatitis A vaccine, tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to vaccines, other medicines, preservatives, foods, or dyes.

Before receiving hepatitis A vaccine, talk to your doctor if you:

• have HIV or AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system;

• are taking a medication that affects the immune system (e.g. steroids, anti-rejection medications);

• have a bleeding disorder, blood disease, or heart problems

• have cancer; or

• are receiving cancer treatment with x-rays, radiation, or medication.

Ask your healthcare provider for more information. Hepatitis A vaccine may not be recommended in some cases.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. Those who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting hepatitis A vaccine.

Talk to your doctor before receiving hepatitis A vaccine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast-feeding a baby.

How is hepatitis A vaccine administered?

Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will administer the hepatitis A vaccine as an injection.

Your doctor may recommend reducing fever and pain by taking an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Your healthcare provider can tell you the appropriate dosages of these medications.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if a dose of hepatitis A vaccine is missed or if you get behind schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of hepatitis A vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after getting hepatitis A vaccine?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity before or after receiving hepatitis A vaccine.