What to know about the hepatitis A vaccine

Vaccination may be considered for people travelling to places where hepatitis A is more common, people with particular liver conditions, some people exposed through work or close contact, and close contacts of someone diagnosed with the infection. Suitability depends on age, health, previous doses, pregnancy, allergies, and timing of exposure. The vaccine does not treat established hepatitis A, and it does not replace handwashing or safe food and water practices. Feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, or dark urine after exposure should be discussed with a clinician.

Ask a healthcare professional whether vaccination is appropriate before travel or after a known exposure. Share your medical history and any previous vaccination record. After vaccination, keep washing hands with soap and water and take care with food preparation. If symptoms appear, arrange medical assessment rather than assuming the vaccine explains them. A clinician may recommend a liver function test when hepatitis A is suspected.

Contact a clinician promptly after a significant exposure, especially if you have liver disease or develop jaundice, dark urine, persistent vomiting, or marked weakness. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or inability to drink. Tell the service when the exposure occurred and whether you have received hepatitis A vaccination.

Ask whether you need vaccination now, whether further doses are advised, what protection to expect after exposure, and which symptoms should trigger testing or review.