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An estimated 3.5 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic Hepatitis C infection.

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Deeper Look: Immunization

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are preventable through vaccination.

Although both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are preventable by vaccination, these viral infections continue to spread in the United States. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018 “a total of 12,474 cases of Hepatitis A were reported in the U.S., but due to underreporting, the actual number of cases is likely around 24,900.” Meanwhile U.S. cases for Hepatitis B likely range anywhere from 880,000 to 1.89 million.

Acute infections with Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B do not always present with symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, jaundice, dark urine, diarrhea, and clay-colored stool. If left untreated, Hepatitis B can transform into chronic infection leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer and in rare cases, Hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are easily transmissible whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. Vaccines are the best way to prevent a viral hepatitis infection effectively and safely.

Vaccination FAQs

What are the current viral hepatitis vaccine guidelines? As in, who should get vaccinated?

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends the Hepatitis A vaccine for all children aged 12-23 months, those between 2-18 years of age who have not previously received a vaccine, and adults who may be at risk, including travelers to certain international countries, men who have sex with men (MSM), people with liver disease, and people living with HIV and persons who use or inject drugs.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. CDC recommends Hepatitis B vaccines for all infants, all children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated, adults aged 19-59 years, adults aged 60+ years with risk factors for Hepatitis B.

Are viral hepatitis vaccines safe? What are possible side effects from getting vaccinated?

Hepatitis A

Yes! The most common potential side effects include soreness at or around the injection site, mild headache, loss of appetite among children, and feeling tired. If these side effects occur, they usually only last 1 or 2 days.

Hepatitis B

Yes! If side effects occur, they are usually quite mild: soreness, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot injected, headache, or fever.

Is it possible to acquire viral hepatitis through the vaccines?

Hepatitis A

No. The Hepatitis A vaccine is made from inactive virus and is proven to be safe.

Hepatitis B

No, the Hepatitis B vaccine does not contain any live virus. Therefore, it cannot cause Hepatitis B infection.

How many doses will I need to be considered fully immunized from viral hepatitis?

Hepatitis A

Most Hepatitis A vaccine options have an immunization schedule of 2 or 3 doses (depending upon vaccine), over the course of several months.

*A combination vaccine exists for simultaneous immunization against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B that includes 4 doses spaced out over time.

Hepatitis B

Routine immunization schedules for Hepatitis B vary, but most have 2, 3, or 4 doses (depending upon vaccine) spread out over time.

*A combination vaccine exists for simultaneous immunization against both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B that includes 4 doses spaced out over time.

Where can I find a vaccination site near me?

HepVu's Service Locator

Centers For Disease Control (CDC)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Vaccinations.gov

Learn more about viral hepatitis in your area with these HepVu resources:

 

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