Disease it protects from

hepatitis A

Who should get this vaccine

People with liver problems and people who are at risk for contact with the hepatitis A virus can get this vaccine.

The vaccine may also be recommended before travel to an area with a high risk of hepatitis A.

Who may not be able to get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

• You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have.
• You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If either of these apply, check with your healthcare provider or public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

Most people need 2 doses at least 6 months apart.

Other vaccines that protect against the same diseases

There are 2 other vaccines that protect against hepatitis A:

• Twinrix protects against the hepatitis A and B viruses. People who travel often get this vaccine.
• Vivaxim protects against hepatitis A and typhoid. People who are travelling to areas where there is risk of hepatitis A and typhoid may get this vaccine.

If you’ve already had these vaccines, you may not need the HAV vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider to find out if you need more doses.

Get the vaccine

The vaccine may be free for people with liver problems and a risk of contact with hepatitis A. Check with a public health nurse. If you can get this vaccine for free, contact your local public health or community health centre.

You need to pay for this vaccine if you want it for travel. Contact a travel health clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost.

Learn more about vaccines for travel.

How well it works

If you’re immunized before you have contact with hepatitis A, the protection is 95% to 100%.

If you get this vaccine within 1 week after contact with hepatitis A, the protection is about 80%.

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the HAV vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

• redness where you had the needle that may look red on lighter skin and purple on darker skin
• warmth, swelling, a hard spot, or feeling sore where you had the needle
• feeling tired or unwell or getting upset easily
• a headache
• feeling dizzy
• body aches or stiffness
• a fever
• not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
• nausea, stomach pain, vomiting (throwing up), or loose stool (diarrhea)
• a rash
• sore throat or runny nose

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It’s important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with fever or pain. Check with your healthcare provider if you're not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their healthcare provider if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your healthcare provider even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.