Sarah Bennett
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can be prevented by safe and effective vaccines, which are available at local health departments, clinics, and pharmacies. The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two shots, with at least six months between each shot, and lasts at least 10 years. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A, especially if you are traveling to areas with frequent outbreaks or are at high risk of exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to get the Hep A vaccine | Talk to your doctor or local public health department |
| Hep A vaccine cost | Free or low cost |
| Hep A vaccine for children | Check the CDC's Vaccines for Children Program |
| Hep A vaccine shots | 2 or 3 shots, with at least six months between each shot |
| Hep A vaccine protection duration | At least 10 years |
| Hep A vaccine side effects | Soreness, swelling and redness at the injection site |
| Hep A vaccine availability | Walgreens, CVS MinuteClinic, local pharmacies |
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What You'll Learn
Hepatitis A vaccine availability at local health departments
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is preventable by safe and effective vaccines, which are available at local health departments. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A.
The hepatitis A vaccine is available at local health departments in some states, such as South Carolina, where the Department of Public Health (DPH) provides low-cost or no-cost vaccines for eligible individuals. In New Jersey, long-term care facilities are required by law to offer the hepatitis B vaccine to all employees, although it is not clear whether this includes hepatitis A.
To find out if your local health department provides the hepatitis A vaccine, you can talk to your doctor or visit vaccinefinder.org to search for nearby pharmacies that offer the vaccine. MinuteClinic® also provides the hepatitis A vaccine, and you can check their website to find a location near you.
The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two shots, with at least six months between each shot, and it lasts at least 10 years. It is recommended for all children between 12 and 23 months old, as well as children and adolescents between 2 and 18 years old who have not previously received the vaccine. It is also recommended for unvaccinated individuals who are traveling internationally to areas where hepatitis A is common.
In addition to the vaccine, there are other ways to prevent hepatitis A infection, such as washing your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
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Hepatitis A vaccine cost
The hepatitis A vaccine is available at several places for free or at a low cost. Local health departments and the Vaccines for Children Program by CDC are some of the options. The CDC's Vaccines for Children Program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. Local health departments in South Carolina, for example, provide hepatitis A vaccines at no cost to individuals in at-risk groups, including drug users, the homeless, recently incarcerated individuals, and men who have sex with men.
The hepatitis A vaccine is also available at MinuteClinic, where most insurance is accepted. Charges are based on the examination and services provided during the visit. If you're uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, you can check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that can be prevented by safe and effective vaccines. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A. The hepatitis A vaccine is given in two shots, with at least six months between each shot, and it typically lasts at least 10 years.
If you are unsure about your risk for contracting hepatitis A, you should consult a healthcare provider.
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Hepatitis A vaccine side effects
Hepatitis A is a serious disease of the liver that can cause death. It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is usually spread through infected food or water. It can also be spread through close person-to-person contact. Hepatitis A is less common in places with good sanitation and water systems. However, it remains a significant health problem in parts of the world lacking such systems.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective at preventing Hepatitis A infections. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. However, these are usually mild and last for about 1-2 days. The most common side effects include soreness at or around the injection site, mild headache, loss of appetite (in children), and fatigue.
Rarely, the vaccine may cause serious problems such as an allergic reaction, which can occur within a few minutes or hours after the shot. You should not get vaccinated if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine or are allergic to any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies or other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
In the United States, the Hepatitis A vaccine is available for free or at a low cost. Talk to your doctor or local public health department to learn more. Local health departments in certain states, such as South Carolina, provide Hepatitis A vaccines at no cost to individuals in at-risk groups, including drug users, the homeless, recently incarcerated individuals, and men who have sex with men.
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Hepatitis A vaccine administration
Vaccination is the best way to prevent a hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A vaccines are safe, highly effective, and provide long-term protection. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination for children aged 12–23 months and catch-up vaccination for children aged 2–18 years who have not previously received the vaccine. ACIP also recommends hepatitis A vaccination for unvaccinated adults who are at increased risk of infection or severe disease from infection.
The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given in two shots, with at least six months between each shot. The vaccine usually lasts at least 10 years. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed two single-antigen hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix and Vaqta) and one combination vaccine for protection against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B (Twinrix) for use in the US. People 12 months–18 years should receive two doses of the HAV vaccine, and people 19 and older should also receive two doses. Twinrix is administered in three doses over a 6-month schedule, but this may be accelerated to a 30-day schedule before travel or potential exposure, followed by a booster dose at 12 months.
People who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover before getting the hepatitis A vaccine. However, administering the vaccine to people with minor illnesses, such as a cold, is fine. If you have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the hepatitis A vaccine or are allergic to any of its ingredients, you should not get vaccinated. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
Hepatitis A vaccines are available at local health departments, pharmacies, and clinics. Some locations offer vaccines for free or at a low cost.
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Hepatitis A vaccine alternatives
Vaccination is the best way to prevent a hepatitis A infection. The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective and protects you from getting this contagious liver infection. It is given in two shots, with at least six months between each shot, and typically lasts at least 10 years.
If you cannot get the hepatitis A vaccine, your doctor may recommend immune globulin injections, which can help fight infection in certain cases. Immune globulin is made from human blood plasma and contains antibodies, the body's natural defence against infection. However, it does not provide long-term protection like the vaccine does.
In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to minimize your risk of hepatitis A infection, especially when travelling to areas with frequent outbreaks. Hepatitis A is common in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. To reduce your risk, you should:
- Drink purified bottled water and use it when brushing your teeth. Boil tap water when bottled water is not available.
- Avoid beverages and ice that might not be clean.
- Do not consume raw or undercooked meat and fish.
- Wash and peel all fruit and vegetables before eating.
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
It is important to note that vaccination is still the most effective way to protect yourself against hepatitis A. If you are considering alternative options, consult your doctor or local public health department to discuss the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hepatitis A vaccine is available at your local health department, doctor's office, or pharmacy. MinuteClinic® and Walgreens also provide the vaccine.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is available for free or at a low cost. Check with your local health department or doctor to learn more.
Vaccination is recommended for all children between 12-23 months old as part of routine childhood vaccination. Children and adolescents between 2-18 years old who have not previously received the vaccine should also get vaccinated. Adults 18 years and older can get the vaccine at some local pharmacies without a prescription, depending on insurance coverage.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is given in two shots, with at least six months between each shot. For full protection against the disease, you will need two or three shots, depending on the type of vaccine.
The Hepatitis A & B combination vaccine may have severe side effects, although rare. These include serious allergic reactions. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease pain and reduce fever.
