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Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.
Hepatitis A vaccine protects against infection from the hepatitis A virus. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada.
Hepatitis A vaccine is not part of the routine schedule of childhood immunizations. However, hepatitis B vaccine is provided free as part of the routine childhood immunizations. For more information, see BC HealthFile #25c Hepatitis B Infant Vaccine and #25a Hepatitis B Vaccine.
| If you have been potentially exposed to hepatitis A, you should get one shot of vaccine within 14 days of the exposure to prevent disease. |
The vaccine is given in two doses or shots to those 6 months of age and older. The second dose is given at least 6 months after the first.
The hepatitis A vaccine is provided free to people at high risk of infection, including:
If you are in the last two categories, you should get the vaccine within 14 days of your potential exposure to hepatitis A.
The vaccine is also recommended, but not provided free, for people likely to come in contact with or spread the hepatitis A virus, including:
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations received.
The vaccine is the best way to protect against hepatitis A infection. When you get vaccinated, you help protect others as well.
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get hepatitis A.
Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the shot was given. Headache, fatigue, fever, and stomach upset may also occur after getting the vaccine. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days.
| Acetaminophen or Tylenol® can be given for fever or soreness. ASA or Aspirin® should NOT be given to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome. |
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. If this happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. This reaction can be treated, and occurs in less than one in a million people who get the vaccine.
Report serious or unexpected reactions to your public health nurse or doctor.
Speak with a public health nurse or doctor if you have had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine, or any component of the vaccine including neomycin, or to latex.
Hepatitis A is a virus that attacks the liver. For every 1000 people infected, 1 to 3 will die. The death rate is higher in people 50 years of age and older.
The hepatitis A virus is found in the bowel movements (stool) of infected persons. People with hepatitis A infection who use the bathroom without proper hand washing can pass the virus on to others through food preparation or other hand-to-mouth contact. The disease can also be spread by sexual contact, or sharing of equipment used in drug use, such as needles or pipes.
Hepatitis A can also be spread by drinking contaminated water, or by eating raw or under-cooked shellfish, such as crabs, clams, oysters or mussels, that have been contaminated with sewage.
Effort is made to seek parental or guardian consent prior to immunization. Children under the age of 19 who are able to understand the risks and benefits may consent to or refuse immunizations, regardless of the parent’s or guardian’s wishes. It is recommended that parents/guardians and their minor children discuss immunizations beforehand, and ask the nurse or doctor any questions.
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