What should you know about hepatitis A series for adults?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection that can spread through contaminated food or water and close personal contact. Vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise the virus before exposure. Completing the recommended series helps maintain protection, but it does not treat an infection that is already present. Read more about [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/).

The second dose is planned after the first rather than given at the same visit. The interval varies by product and clinical situation, so keep the vaccination record and follow the date given by the clinic. If a dose is late, do not restart the series without medical advice; a clinician can advise how to continue.

An adult may be advised to consider vaccination because of travel, work, household or sexual exposure risk, certain medical conditions, or a need for protection during an outbreak. A clinician can also check whether previous vaccination or a past infection changes the plan.

Bring your vaccination history and tell the clinician about pregnancy, immune-system problems, liver disease, allergies, and any current illness. Ask which product is being used, when the follow-up dose is due, and what to do if you cannot attend that appointment. Details about [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/) can help you prepare.

After vaccination, soreness at the injection site or short-lived tiredness can occur. Rest, drink fluids, and use only medicines that are suitable for you. Seek advice before vaccination if you have had a serious reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient.

Vaccination does not replace food and hand hygiene. Wash hands after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food, and follow travel-health advice when visiting places where hepatitis A is more common.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop marked tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, fever, pale stools, or dark urine after a possible exposure. These symptoms can have several causes, and a clinician may arrange assessment and a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/).

Seek urgent help for yellowing of the skin or eyes with confusion, severe vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing. If you have been exposed recently, ask for advice promptly because prevention and testing decisions depend on the timing and your health history.

The vaccine series is preventive; do not wait for the next dose if you feel significantly unwell. Information about [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/), [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/), and [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) may help you describe symptoms clearly.

Ask: Do I need the hepatitis A series based on my travel, work, exposure, or medical history? Which dose is due next, and what should I do if it is delayed? Could any of my medicines or health conditions affect the plan? Do my symptoms require testing or separate treatment?