The Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent Hepatitis A, a serious liver disease that spreads through close personal contact with an infected person or when someone ingests the virus in food or drink that are contaminated with it. Surfaces that have been touched by someone with the virus can also transmit the virus.
Receiving the Hepatitis A vaccine can reduce the chance that you will contract this illness, and boosters of the vaccine can provide lasting immunity.
The hepatitis A vaccine is administered differently depending upon the age of the person receiving it.
Children will receive two doses of the vaccine. The first should be administered when the child is 12-23 months of age. The second dose should be given at least six months after the first dose.
Adolescents and older children aged 2-18 years can be vaccinated at any age, and the second dose will be administered at least six months after the first dose.
Adults can be given the first dose of the vaccine at any age. The second dose will need to be administered at least six months from the first dose.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for these people:
Anyone who has come into contact with someone who has Hepatitis A should consider getting vaccinated within two weeks of exposure.
Like any vaccine, the Hepatitis A vaccine can cause a reaction in some patients. The symptoms of Hepatitis A vaccine reactions are:
Serious allergic reactions require immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing hives on the face and hands, a tight or itchy throat, or a fast heartbeat and weakness, you will need to seek emergency medical attention.