Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.
What is the hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine protects against infection from the hepatitis A virus. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada.
Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is given to those 6 months of age and older. Usually 2 doses are given at least 6 months apart.
The hepatitis A vaccine is provided free to Indigenous children and youth 6 months to 18 years of age.
The vaccine is also provided free to people at high risk of infection or severe illness, including those who:
- Have hemophilia or receive repeated infusions of blood or blood products
- Inject illegal drugs or share drug snorting, smoking, or injecting equipment
- Are males who have sex with other males
- Have HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, or chronic liver disease
- Had a stem cell transplant
- Will have or had a liver transplant
- Are inmates of a correctional facility
- Are in close contact with infected persons
- Have eaten food prepared by a food handler with hepatitis A infection
Individuals with HIV should get 3 doses of the vaccine. The second dose is given 1 month after the first dose. The third dose is given 5 months later.
If you may have been exposed to hepatitis A, you should get 1 dose of the vaccine within 14 days of the exposure to prevent disease. This is provided for free.
The vaccine is recommended, but not free, for people likely to come in contact with or spread the hepatitis A virus, including:
- Those who will be living, working or traveling in countries, particularly in rural areas, where hepatitis A is common
- Immigrants from countries where hepatitis A is common
- Household or close contacts of adopted children from areas where it is common
- Food handlers
- Those with multiple sex partners
- Residents and staff of institutions caring for people with developmental challenges where there is ongoing infection
- Zoo-keepers, veterinarians and researchers handling non-human primates
- Those involved in research on the virus, or the production of hepatitis A vaccine
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations received.
What are the benefits of the hepatitis A vaccine?
The vaccine is the best way to protect against hepatitis A infection. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.
What are the possible reactions after the vaccine?
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 vaccine was given. You may have headache, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days.
