CDC hepatitis A vaccine schedule: what to know

Hepatitis A vaccination is given as a series rather than a single visit. The interval between doses allows the immune system to develop a durable response. The exact product, age at vaccination, previous doses, pregnancy status, immune conditions, and planned travel can affect the advice. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B product follows its own schedule. Keep any vaccination record so a clinician can identify which dose is due instead of restarting unnecessarily.

Ask a clinic to review your vaccination history before booking the next dose. If a dose is late, contact the clinic and arrange the next available appointment; do not assume the series must begin again. People travelling to areas where hepatitis A is present may need advice before departure. Read more about Hepatitis A Vaccination and the condition itself through the linked health pages.

Seek prompt medical advice after a possible hepatitis A exposure, especially if you develop nausea, loss of appetite, marked tiredness, feeling generally unwell, or dark urine. Vaccination does not treat an established infection. Urgent assessment is appropriate for severe dehydration, confusion, fainting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Ask which hepatitis A product you received, when the next dose is due, whether travel changes the timing, and whether another vaccine or an immune condition affects your plan.