- The Hepatitis A vaccine is considered to be safe in infants 12 months and older. Once the first vaccine is given, a follow-up vaccine should be administered six months later.
- When children receive both doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine, it is expected to provide protection for 14 to 20 years.
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Certain adult demographics should have a Hepatitis A shot:
• those who travel to countries with a high population of those with Hepatitis A, such as Mexico, Africa, Central America and others (visit www.cdc.gov/travel for more information on travel vaccines).
• those who live in areas where cases of Hepatitis A have been diagnosed
• those with chronic liver disease
• those who share needles or use street drugs
• men who have sex with men
• those who are treated for blood clotting disorders
• those who work with Hepatitis A (animals or strains) in a laboratory - Adult vaccinations are given in higher doses and have been shown to last up to 25 years in adults.
- Side effects from the vaccination include mild disorders, such as soreness, headache, appetite loss and tiredness.
- Those who are traveling out of the country to Hepatitis A-infected areas, should receive the Hepatitis A shot at least two weeks before traveling out of the country.
