Hepatitis A Vaccine (Cont.)

Side Effects of the Hepatitis A Vaccine

The hepatitis A vaccine is made from an inactive virus and is quite safe. In general, there are few side effects. The most common side effect is soreness at or around the injection site. Other side effects include:
 
  • Mild headache
  • Loss of appetite (among children)
  • Feeling tired.
     
These side effects usually begin three to five days after the vaccination and may last one to two days.
 
However, like any medicine, the hepatitis A vaccine may cause serious problems, such as an allergic reaction, which may appear within a few minutes or hours after the shot. This occurs only rarely, but if you believe you are having a reaction to the vaccine, you should call your doctor or nurse right away. Some warning signs of a serious allergic reaction include the following:
 
  • High fever
  • Changes in behavior
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hoarse voice or wheezing
  • Hives
  • Pale skin
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • A fast heartbeat.
     

Hepatitis A Vaccine Schedule

Doses and schedules for the hepatitis A vaccine are listed in the following table.
 
Age
Number of Doses
Schedule
Children age 1
to 18 years
2
0 and 6 to 12 months
Adults 18 years and older
2
0 and 6 to 12 months
 
(Hepatitis A Vaccine Continued: Page 4)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;