What are the side effects of the hepatitis A shot?

Hepatitis A shot side effects can include temporary arm soreness, tiredness, headache, or fever; severe allergic symptoms require immediate medical attention. Side effects do not mean the vaccine has caused hepatitis A.

The injection site may feel tender, warm, or swollen. You may also feel tired or have a headache, mild fever, or general aches. These effects usually improve as the immune response settles. They are different from symptoms of hepatitis A, which can include nausea, reduced appetite, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.

A vaccine cannot explain every new symptom. Read about [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) and the preventive treatment [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/) when comparing concerns.

Use a cool, clean cloth on a sore arm and rest if needed. Drink fluids and keep track of symptoms, including when they started and whether they are easing. Before using a pain or fever medicine, ask a pharmacist or clinician if you have liver disease, are pregnant, are treating a child, or take regular medicines.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, throat or facial swelling, widespread hives, collapse, or severe dizziness after vaccination. Seek medical advice if symptoms are intense, persistent, or getting worse. Yellow skin or eyes, [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), persistent vomiting, or pronounced [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/) should be assessed rather than attributed automatically to a shot.

Ask which effects are expected for your vaccine, what medicine is suitable for your situation, and whether a previous reaction changes future vaccination. If illness is suspected, ask whether a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) is useful.