Hepatitis A Vaccine for Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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What is the hepatitis A vaccine?

The vaccine is an injection that helps protect your child from the virus that causes hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. The virus is usually spread by person-to-person contact or through food and liquid contaminated with the virus.

When should my child get the hepatitis A vaccine?

The vaccine is given in 2 doses at least 6 months apart. The vaccine can be given with other vaccines.

• Children 12 to 23 months old should get the vaccine routinely.
• Babies 6 to 11 months old who are traveling outside the United States may be given the vaccine.
• Children and adolescents 2 to 18 years old can still get the vaccine, if needed. Talk to your child's healthcare provider about when to get make-up doses.
• The vaccine is given to pregnant or breastfeeding adolescents who are at risk for hepatitis A. Your adolescent's provider will tell you when the vaccine should be given.

What increases my child's risk for hepatitis A?

• Exposure to hepatitis A within the past 2 weeks
• A scheduled trip or move to an area where hepatitis A is common or has an active outbreak
• Close contact with a child adopted from a country where hepatitis A is common or has an active outbreak
• A chronic liver disease, HIV, or a weak immune system
• Use of street drugs
• Being male and having sex with another male

What are reasons my child should not get the hepatitis A vaccine or should wait to get it?

Your child should not get a second dose if the first caused a severe allergic reaction. Ask about ingredients in the vaccine that can trigger a reaction if your child has a severe allergy. Wait to get the vaccine if your child is sick or has a fever on the appointment day.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
• ProQuad
• Rotarix
• RotaTeq
• rotavirus vaccine

What are the risks of the hepatitis A vaccine?

The area where your child got the shot may be sore or tender. This is usually mild and goes away in a few hours. Your child may also have a headache or loss of appetite, or feel tired for up to 2 days. Your child may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your child has signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, or wheezing.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child has a high fever or any symptoms that concern you.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• You have questions or concerns about the hepatitis A vaccine.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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