Trevor James
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are caused by different viruses, and there are vaccines for each of them. Hepatitis A is spread through infected food or water, or close person-to-person contact, and hepatitis B is a bloodborne virus. Both diseases affect the liver and can be prevented through vaccination. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children aged 12–23 months, and the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns within 24 hours of birth. There is also a combination vaccine for hepatitis A and hepatitis B for those 18 years or older who are at risk of infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A vaccine | Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A. |
| Hepatitis A vaccine dosage | For full protection, you will need two or three shots, depending on the type of vaccine. |
| Hepatitis A vaccine for children | All children 12–23 months old as part of routine childhood vaccination. |
| Hepatitis A vaccine for children and adolescents | All children and adolescents 2–18 years old who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine. |
| Hepatitis A vaccine for travellers | If you're planning to travel internationally, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A. |
| Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine | There is a separate combination vaccine for hepatitis A and hepatitis B that protects against both viruses. |
| Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine dosage | The hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is given as two doses, with the second dose administered one month after the first. |
| Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine eligibility | The hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is recommended for all persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk from their jobs, behaviours, or travel to certain parts of the world. |
| Hepatitis B vaccine | The hepatitis B vaccine prevents hepatitis B. |
| Hepatitis B vaccine dosage | The hepatitis B vaccine is generally given as a three-dose series on a 0, 1, and 6-month schedule. |
| Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns | The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended within 24 hours of birth for all newborns. |
| Hepatitis B vaccine for infants | The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 18 years. |
| Hepatitis B vaccine for adults | The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults living with diabetes and those at high risk for infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth. |
| Hepatitis B vaccine for travellers | The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for international travellers to countries with high or intermediate levels of endemic hepatitis B virus infection. |
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What You'll Learn
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine availability
Hepatitis A is a serious and potentially fatal disease of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is spread most often through infected food or water. Hepatitis A may also be spread by close person-to-person contact with infected persons, such as those living in the same household. Hepatitis A vaccines are available at Walgreens and CVS MinuteClinic, and the CDC recommends that all children between 12 and 23 months old get vaccinated as part of routine childhood vaccination. Children and adolescents between 2 and 18 years old who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine may also get vaccinated. The hepatitis A vaccine is given in two shots, with at least six months between each shot, and typically lasts at least 10 years.
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, serious, and potentially fatal liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, including contact with objects that could have blood or body fluids on them, such as toothbrushes and razors. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to baby at birth. The hepatitis B vaccine is available at Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, and the CDC recommends that all infants, children, and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated receive the vaccine. Adults aged 19 through 59 and adults 60 and older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection are also encouraged to get vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given in a series of 2, 3, or 4 shots over a 6-12 month period.
There is also a combination vaccine that protects against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. This vaccine is recommended for all persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk of infection from their jobs, certain behaviours, or travel to certain parts of the world. The combination vaccine is given in two or three shots, depending on the type of vaccine, and is safe and highly effective, even for people with compromised immune systems.
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Who should get the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine?
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe even for people with compromised immune systems. The hepatitis B vaccine is also safe and effective and can provide a lifetime of protection.
The hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is recommended for all persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk of infection from their jobs or behaviours, or from travelling to certain parts of the world. These include Central and South America, Eastern and Southern Europe, South and Southeast Asia (except Japan), the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
The following groups of people are at higher risk of hepatitis A and hepatitis B infection and should therefore consider vaccination:
- International travellers
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use or inject drugs
- People with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- People with hemophilia
- People whose jobs increase the risk of exposure, such as laboratory workers who handle hepatitis A and B viruses, police, those who give first aid or medical help, and workers who come in contact with stool or sewage
- People who work in child daycare centres and correctional facilities, residents of drug and alcohol treatment centres, and patients and staff in hemodialysis units
- People who are homeless or live in temporary housing
- People who are sexually active but are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship
- People with diabetes
- People with end-stage renal disease, including pre-dialysis, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis patients
- Residents and staff of facilities for people with developmental disabilities
- Military personnel
- Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B
The hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended for all children between 12 and 23 months old as part of routine childhood vaccination. Children and adolescents 2–18 years old who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine should also get vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 18 years.
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Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are both dangerous viruses that can cause serious liver disease and even death. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against these viruses. While hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are not mandated by law, they are highly recommended and considered standard vaccines by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and highly effective, even for people with compromised immune systems. It is recommended for all children between 12 and 23 months old as part of routine childhood vaccination, and for children and adolescents 2–18 years old who have not previously received the vaccine. The hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended for adults who are at higher risk of infection, including international travellers, men who have sex with men, people who use or inject drugs, people with chronic liver disease, and people experiencing homelessness, among others.
The hepatitis B vaccine is also safe and effective and can provide long-term protection against acute and chronic infection. It is recommended for all infants at birth, children up to 18 years of age, and adults at high risk of infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, country of birth, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes. The hepatitis B vaccine is also known as the first "anti-cancer" vaccine because it prevents hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide.
There is a combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine that protects against both viruses. This combination vaccine is recommended for persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk of infection due to their jobs, behaviours, or travel to regions where hepatitis is more common. It is important to note that appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of the combination vaccine have not been performed in the geriatric population. However, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.
In summary, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious liver diseases caused by these viruses. While the vaccines are not mandatory, they are recommended for individuals of all ages, especially those at higher risk of infection. The combination vaccine provides protection against both viruses and is suitable for adults over 18 years old.
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Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine side effects
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are both dangerous liver infections that can be prevented by safe and effective vaccines. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against these diseases. Hepatitis A is spread most often through infected food or water, while hepatitis B can be transmitted during sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
The hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is recommended for all persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk of infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth. This includes military personnel, laboratory workers, police, healthcare workers, and people who use illegal injection drugs.
As with any medicine, there is a small risk of side effects associated with the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. However, it is important to note that the potential risks of hepatitis A and B infections are much higher than any risks associated with the vaccines. While studies on the relationship between age and the effects of the combination vaccine have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.
Some possible side effects of the hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine include:
- Allergic reactions in people with known allergies to specific medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
- Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs.
It is recommended that you consult your doctor or healthcare professional if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects after receiving the vaccine. They may be able to provide ways to prevent or reduce these side effects.
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Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine schedules
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Hepatitis A vaccines protect only against hepatitis A, while hepatitis B vaccines protect only against hepatitis B. However, there is a combination vaccine that protects against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Hepatitis A Vaccine Schedules
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children between 12 and 23 months old as part of routine childhood vaccination. It is also recommended for unvaccinated children and adolescents between 2 and 18 years old. Additionally, the following groups are advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A:
- International travellers
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use or inject drugs
- People with occupational exposure risk
- People who anticipate close personal contact with an international adoptee
- People experiencing homelessness
- People with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Pregnant patients at risk for HAV infection or severe outcome from HAV infection
The hepatitis A vaccine is administered as two shots over six months for the single-dose vaccine and three shots over six months for the combination vaccine.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedules
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns, children up to 18 years of age, and adults, especially those at higher risk for infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 0, 1, and 6-month vaccine schedule, with the first dose ideally administered within 24 hours of birth. However, schedules may vary depending on the country's national immunization program.
The hepatitis B vaccine is generally given as a three-dose series, with the second dose administered one month after the first and the third dose given six months after the first. There is also a two-dose vaccine, Heplisav-B, approved for adults 18 years and older, administered one month apart.
For adults, the hepatitis B vaccine can be given on an accelerated schedule, with a four-dose series (three doses within one or two months and a booster dose at one year) or a three-dose series (at 0, 7, and 21-30 days, followed by a booster dose at one year).
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Frequently asked questions
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are available as a combination vaccine for adults 18 years or older. There are also separate vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
The hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is recommended for adults who are at risk of infection due to their jobs, behaviours, or travel to certain parts of the world.
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all children 12-23 months old as part of routine childhood vaccination. It is also recommended for children and adolescents 2-18 years old who have not previously received the vaccine. Some people are at higher risk for hepatitis A and should prioritise getting vaccinated, including international travellers and men who have sex with men.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 18 years. It is also recommended for adults living with diabetes and those at high risk for infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth. Since everyone is at some risk of hepatitis B during their lifetime, all adults should consider getting the vaccine.
The hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is typically given as a two-dose series, with the doses administered one month apart.
