Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccine can effectively prevent hepatitis A virus infection.
One month after receiving the first dose of hepatitis A vaccine, about 95% of people would produce protective antibody levels against infection.
Hepatitis A vaccine is very safe. The most common side effects of receiving hepatitis A vaccine are soreness, redness, swelling and warmth at injection site.
The complete course of hepatitis A vaccination requires two injections, given 6 to 18 months apart.
It is preferable to have blood tests for hepatitis A status before vaccination. Vaccination is not required for people who already have protective antibody for hepatitis A.

People who are at increased risk of infection should consider receiving vaccination

The vaccine is suitable for people aged one year or above.
The following groups are recommended to receive hepatitis A vaccination:
- Travellers to endemic areas of hepatitis A
- People with clotting factors disorders receiving plasma-derived replacement clotting factors
- People with chronic liver diseases
- Men who have sex with men
Travellers should receive the first dose of hepatitis A vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure to endemic areas of hepatitis A for adequate protective antibody levels. Please visit the website of Travel Health Service for more information.
Members of the public requiring hepatitis A vaccination are advised to consult their family doctor or private doctor for advice and arrangement.

Anyone who is allergic to any component of hepatitis A vaccine, or has had severe allergic reaction after prior dose of the vaccine should not get vaccinated.
Anyone who has an acute or severe illness should receive the vaccine after recovery.
Although there is no evidence that hepatitis A vaccine is harmful to either pregnant women or their foetus, the safety of the vaccine for pregnant women has not been determined. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before receiving the vaccination.