Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesUsesBefore UseDosageSide EffectsWarningsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Uses
Before Use
Dosage
Side Effects
Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two hepatitis vaccines that can help prevent hepatitis A andBinfections.A third vaccine, developed for hepatitis E, is only permitted for use in China.This article discusses the types of hepatitis that can be prevented with a vaccine and what you need to know before getting one.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are widely available. Brand names for thehepatitis A vaccineinclude Havrix and Vaqta, whilehepatitis B vaccinesinclude Pediarix, Vaxelis, Engerix-B,Heplisav-B, and Recombivax HB.There is also a combination vaccine that can protect against both hepatitis A and B calledTwinrix.
Although the hepatitis E vaccine is being used in China, it has not been approved in other countries because of a lack of research regarding its safety for some groups, such as pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying liver disease.
RecapThere are eight vaccines available for hepatitis A and B. These vaccines force the body to produce hepatitis-specific antibodies to protect against a possible infection in the future.
Recap
There are eight vaccines available for hepatitis A and B. These vaccines force the body to produce hepatitis-specific antibodies to protect against a possible infection in the future.
While all children can and should get the hepatitis A and B vaccines, the hepatitis A vaccine can be given to children 12 months or older while the hepatitis B vaccine can be given to newborn infants. People who didn’t get vaccinated as children and are victims of sexual assault or abuse should also consider getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
Even if someone does not fall into any of these categories, they can still choose to get vaccinated against both hepatitis A and B.
The main use of the hepatitis A and B vaccine is protection against viral infection. People who should get the hepatitis A and B vaccine include:
Additionally, people who anticipate close contact with an international adoptee and those experiencing homelessness should get the hepatitis A vaccine.
People who have a sexual relationship with someone with the hepatitis virus, have more than one sexual partner, or are living with someone with the virus should get the hepatitis B vaccine. People with a hepatitis C infection and those who are in jail or prison should do so as well.
RecapAnyone who wants to be protected against hepatitis A or B can get the vaccine. However, some individuals at a higher risk of contracting the virus or having severe complications due to the infection are highly recommended to get it.
Anyone who wants to be protected against hepatitis A or B can get the vaccine. However, some individuals at a higher risk of contracting the virus or having severe complications due to the infection are highly recommended to get it.
The hepatitis A and B vaccines should not be given to anyone who has an allergy to the ingredients of the vaccine or people who had asevere allergic reactionto their previous dose.
People with asevere allergy to latexshould also avoid getting a vaccine that is administered using prefilled syringes as they are made with natural latex. Single-use vials using a separate needle and syringe can be used in these cases.
RecapPrior to getting a hepatitis vaccine, you should be sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients or tools used to administer it.
Prior to getting a hepatitis vaccine, you should be sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients or tools used to administer it.
Hepatitis A vaccines will be given in two doses, whereas hepatitis B can be given in two to four doses. The doses for both vaccines range from 0.5 mL to 1.0 mL.
Common side effects that can occur with hepatitis A and B vaccines include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Afeverandheadachemay also occur.
Hepatitis A Vaccine Side EffectsGeneral feeling of illnessNauseaLoss of appetiteHepatitis B Vaccine Side EffectsDizzinessFatigueIrritability or agitation in childrenSore throatRunny or stuffy noseNausea
Hepatitis A Vaccine Side EffectsGeneral feeling of illnessNauseaLoss of appetite
General feeling of illness
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Hepatitis B Vaccine Side EffectsDizzinessFatigueIrritability or agitation in childrenSore throatRunny or stuffy noseNausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Irritability or agitation in children
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
People who are undergoing therapy that requires the use ofimmunosuppressivemedications should speak to their doctor before getting the hepatitis A or B vaccine. This is because immunosuppressants hinder the natural immune response in the body, which can lead to the vaccine being unable to produce enough of the antibodies designed to protect you from hepatitis.
RecapThere are very few warnings when it comes to the adverse effects of the hepatitis A or B vaccine. The vaccine may not reach overall effectiveness for people who are taking immunosuppressants, so they should always speak to their doctor before getting the vaccine.
There are very few warnings when it comes to the adverse effects of the hepatitis A or B vaccine. The vaccine may not reach overall effectiveness for people who are taking immunosuppressants, so they should always speak to their doctor before getting the vaccine.
Summary
The hepatitis vaccine is a safe and effective tool to help protect you against two forms of viral hepatitis: A and B. Typically, the vaccines are given to children or infants in a two- or three-dose course so that they are protected from a young age. Adults without the vaccines can get them if they wish and are highly encouraged to do so if they are in a high-risk group.
A Word From Verywell
Hepatitis infections range from mild to severe, with some being life-long chronic illnesses. Since the prevention of both hepatitis A and B is possible with a vaccine, those who can get vaccinated should do so with the approval of their healthcare provider.
No one wants to put their health at risk, so there is no reason to forgo getting vaccinated for both hepatitis A and B since they are available, safe, and proven to be effective for the majority of people who get them.
Frequently Asked QuestionsGetting vaccinated with hepatitis protects you for life. This means that once you have gotten the vaccine, you become immune to the virus and cannot contract it through its various methods of transmission.Although the hepatitis B vaccine can’t protect you from contracting hepatitis C, research has shown that getting the hepatitis B vaccine while infected with hepatitis C may help to reduce ALT levels, which are levels used to determine liver damage.There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Research has shown that the virus is complex, which has made it difficult for scientific professionals to develop a safe and effective vaccine. That being said, studies and research are ongoing that paint a promising picture for the future of a potential vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.Studies have shown that hepatitis vaccines have a long protection life. Hepatitis B vaccines have been shown to be effective for up to 30 years,whereas hepatitis A vaccines can protect you for up to 20 years.
Getting vaccinated with hepatitis protects you for life. This means that once you have gotten the vaccine, you become immune to the virus and cannot contract it through its various methods of transmission.
Although the hepatitis B vaccine can’t protect you from contracting hepatitis C, research has shown that getting the hepatitis B vaccine while infected with hepatitis C may help to reduce ALT levels, which are levels used to determine liver damage.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Research has shown that the virus is complex, which has made it difficult for scientific professionals to develop a safe and effective vaccine. That being said, studies and research are ongoing that paint a promising picture for the future of a potential vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
Studies have shown that hepatitis vaccines have a long protection life. Hepatitis B vaccines have been shown to be effective for up to 30 years,whereas hepatitis A vaccines can protect you for up to 20 years.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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