What should you know about the hepatitis A shot?

The hepatitis A shot helps your immune system prepare to prevent hepatitis A and is given as a planned vaccination course. It does not treat an infection that is already present, so tell a clinician if you have symptoms or a recent exposure.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. The vaccine presents the immune system with a safe way to recognise the virus, allowing it to build protection without causing hepatitis A. Protection is not instant, and the recommended course depends on your age, health, travel plans, previous doses, and local clinical guidance.

A clinician may discuss vaccination before travel or after an exposure, and may consider other preventive steps for people with liver disease or reduced immune function. Read more about [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) and [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/).

Bring any vaccination record you have and mention allergies, pregnancy, immune problems, liver disease, and medicines. Stay for the observation period recommended by the vaccinator. Keep the injection site comfortable, drink fluids, and follow the clinic's advice about the next dose. If you feel unwell, note when symptoms began and whether they are improving.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, fainting, or sudden severe weakness after vaccination. Contact a clinician promptly for symptoms that are severe, worsening, or unusual for you. Yellowing of the skin or eyes, [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), persistent vomiting, or marked [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/) needs medical assessment because it can have causes unrelated to the shot.

Ask which vaccine schedule applies to you, when the next dose is due, whether a recent exposure changes the plan, and what to do if a dose is late. You can also ask whether symptoms such as [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/) warrant testing, including a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/).