Hepatitis A

Because of the vaccine, rates of hepatitis A in the United States are the lowest they’ve been in 40 years. But hepatitis A is still common in other countries, so it’s possible for people to get the disease when they travel.

Most people who get hepatitis A only get a mild form of the disease. But in some cases, hepatitis A can lead to serious liver problems — and even death.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus. Some people with hepatitis A don’t have any symptoms. Other people do develop symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Feeling tired
• Upset stomach and throwing up
• Not feeling hungry
• Dark pee or clay-colored poop
• Pain in the joints and stomach
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)

Symptoms usually last less than 2 months — but they can last as long as 6 months.

Hepatitis A usually spreads when someone eats or drinks something that has come in contact with the poop of someone with the hepatitis A virus. For example, hepatitis A can spread when someone who has it doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom and then touches food.

Hepatitis A can also spread from person to person through sexual contact. Learn more about hepatitis A.

All children need to get the hepatitis A vaccine — and some adults may need it, too.

Infants and children

All children need to get the hepatitis A vaccine as part of their routine vaccine schedule.

Children need 2 doses of the vaccine at the following ages:

• 12 through 23 months for the first dose
• 2 through 4 years for the second dose

Adults at increased risk for hepatitis A

Adults who are at risk for hepatitis A can also get vaccinated. The shot is given in 2 doses — adults get each dose 6 to 18 months apart.

You may be at risk for hepatitis A if you:

• Travel to a place where it’s common
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Use drugs (with or without needles)
• Are getting treatment for certain bleeding disorders, like hemophilia
• Adopt a child from a country where hepatitis A is common
• Work with animals that have hepatitis A — or in a hepatitis A research lab

If you’re age 18 and older and at risk for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, you may be able to get a combination vaccine that protects against both diseases. You may be at risk for both diseases if you:

• Are traveling to certain countries where hepatitis A is common
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Use drugs

Talk with your doctor about how to protect your family from hepatitis A.

Some people should not get the hepatitis A vaccine — or may need to wait to get it. Be sure to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated if you:

• Have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the hepatitis A vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine
• Are sick

Side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:

• Soreness or redness where the shot was given
• Fever
• Headache
• Feeling tired

Serious side effects from the hepatitis A vaccine are very rare. Like any medicine, there's a very small chance that the hepatitis A vaccine could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting the hepatitis A vaccine is much safer than getting hepatitis A. Learn more about vaccine side effects.

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) have detailed information about recommended vaccines.

• Read the VIS for the hepatitis A vaccine.
• Find the VIS for the hepatitis A vaccine in other languages.