Hepatitis A vaccine


What is the hepatitis A vaccine used for?

  • Preventing hepatitis A in adults and children aged one year and over. Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus.

    The hepatitis A vaccine is not given routinely. It is recommended for people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis A, such as:

    • travellers to high risk areas (if travelling to countries outside Western Europe, North America and Australasia you should consider being immunised.)
    • laboratory staff who work directly with the virus
    • people with haemophilia treated with plasma-derived clotting factors
    • people with severe liver disease
    • people who are at risk due to their sexual behaviour
    • workers at risk of exposure to untreated sewage
    • people who work with primates
    • staff and residents of homes for those with severe learning difficulties
    • intravenous drug abusers.

      The vaccine may also be considered for close contacts of people with hepatitis A and people with chronic liver disease.

      How does the hepatitis A vaccine work?



      The hepatitis A vaccine contains an inactivated form of the virus that causes hepatitis A. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus, but doesn't actually cause the disease. The antibodies produced remain in the body so that if the hepatitis A virus is encountered naturally, the immune system can recognise it and attack it. This prevents it from causing hepatitis A.

      Protection against hepatitis A doesn't occur immediately after having the vaccination, but most people will have protective levels of antibodies after two weeks.

      How is the hepatitis A vaccine given?

      • The hepatitis A vaccine is usually given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm for adults and older children, and the thigh for younger children.
      • A booster dose is usually given 6 to 12 months after the first dose. This provides long-term protection against the disease. A further booster may be needed after 20 years if you are still at risk of contracting the virus.

        What should I know before having the hepatitis A vaccine?

        • This vaccine only provides protection against hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus. It will not prevent other forms of hepatitis.
        • No vaccine is 100 per cent effective and this vaccine may not protect all people who are given it from contracting hepatitis A.
        • You may not produce enough antibodies in response to this vaccine if you have an underactive immune system (for example due to a genetic defect, disease such as HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy, high-dose corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants, eg to prevent rejection of organ transplants). If you fall into one of these categories, your doctor may want you to have a blood test after your injection in order to check the levels of antibodies in your blood. You may need to have additional doses of the vaccine to make sure you produce enough antibodies to protect you from the disease.

          Who should not have the hepatitis A vaccine?

          • People who are allergic to formaldehyde, the antibiotic neomycin or any other ingredients used in the manufacturing of the vaccine. The person administering the vaccine can give you this information.
          • The hepatitis A vaccine is not licensed for babies under one year of age.

            Can I have the hepatitis A vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding?


            • The safety of the hepatitis A vaccine in pregnancy has not been specifically studied. However, since it contains inactivated virus it is not expected to be harmful. Ask your doctor for advice before having this vaccine if you are, or think you might be pregnant.
            • The safety of the hepatitis A vaccine during breastfeeding has not been specifically studied. However, based on the effects of other inactivated (ie non-infectious) viral vaccines given during breastfeeding, it's generally considered to be OK for breastfeeding women who are at risk of hepatitis A to have this vaccine. Ask your doctor for further advice.

              What are the possible side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine?

              Vaccines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with the hepatitis A vaccine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people having this vaccine will experience that or any side effect.

              The hepatitis A vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause hepatitis A.

              Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)

              • Headache.
              • Soreness at the injection site.
              • Feeling weak or tired.


                • Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain.
                • Loss of appetite.
                • Redness, hardness or swelling of the skin at the injection site.
                • Aching muscles or joints.
                • Feeling generally unwell.
                • Fever. If your child develops a high temperature after having this vaccine you may be advised to give them a dose of paracetamol. It's important to follow the instructions given by your doctor or nurse and give the recommended dose only.


                  • Dizziness.
                  • Vomiting.
                  • Rash or itching.

                    Very rare (affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people)

                    • Allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. The person giving the vaccine will be trained in how to recognise and treat allergic reactions.


                      Can the hepatitis A vaccine be given with other vaccines?


                      What types of hepatitis A vaccine are available?

                      Hepatitis A vaccine is available as a single vaccine with the following brand names:

                      • Avaxim.
                      • Havrix.
                      • Vaqta.

                        It's also possible to be vaccinated against hepatitis A with the following combined vaccines:

                          Last updated 03.06.2020

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