What it is
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can have several causes, including viruses, alcohol, certain medicines and other health conditions. Viral hepatitis is commonly discussed in terms of types, including hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis A is generally an acute, short-term infection that the body often clears on its own. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can sometimes become chronic, long-term infections. Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and hepatitis B is effectively managed with antiviral therapy and monitoring, both under a clinician's care.
Vaccines are available in the United States for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and there are combination products that cover both. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Whether a vaccine is appropriate for you is a decision to make with a licensed clinician after reviewing your health history.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Vaccination has traditionally been approached as a way to help the body build protection before it is ever exposed to a virus. Public health agencies have long recommended hepatitis B vaccination for infants and for certain children and adults, and hepatitis A vaccination for children and for adults with specific risk factors. Recommendations can change over time, so a clinician is the best source for current guidance.
Adults are often asked about vaccination in the context of their work, health conditions, travel plans, lifestyle and living situation. People who travel to regions where hepatitis A or B is more common, people with chronic liver disease, and people with certain occupational exposures are among those who commonly discuss vaccination with their providers. Higher-risk groups are talked about factually and without stigma, since risk usually relates to circumstances rather than character.
After a possible exposure, such as a needle-stick injury or contact with someone who has hepatitis, clinicians have traditionally evaluated the situation quickly. Depending on the virus, the timing and your vaccination history, they may discuss options such as vaccination, immune globulin or follow-up testing. These are medical decisions made only by a licensed clinician, and time can matter, so people are generally encouraged to seek prompt medical advice after a suspected exposure.
How the right doctor may help
A visit with a primary care doctor, travel medicine clinician, or liver specialist often starts with questions about your vaccination records, health conditions, medications, work, travel and any past exposures. The clinician may discuss whether blood tests are useful to check immunity or past infection. The right doctor may help you understand your options, though no outcome can be promised.
Questions you might bring: Which hepatitis vaccines might make sense for me, and why? Do I need any testing first? How are doses typically spaced for the product you would use? Are there reasons I should wait or avoid a vaccine? What side effects are generally expected, and which should prompt a call?
If you are planning travel, ask when to come in, since some vaccines are given in a series over time. If you think you were exposed, ask how quickly to be seen and what to bring. You can find licensed clinicians through Providers.plus, and you can ask any provider about the regulatory status and appropriate use of any vaccine or product they recommend.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect one another. Worry about an exposure, a new diagnosis, or an upcoming trip can show up as poor sleep, tension or a racing mind, and those can in turn make it harder to feel well. Looking after rest, nourishment and emotional well-being sits alongside, not in place of, medical care.
If anxiety about health is weighing on you, body-based support such as that offered through Somatic Experiences may help some people feel more settled, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus may give you room to process worries and build coping skills. These are complementary options, and your doctor remains the right person for medical questions.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan.
- Only a licensed clinician can decide which vaccines, tests or post-exposure measures are appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- If you think you were exposed to hepatitis, contact a licensed clinician or urgent care promptly, since timing can matter.
- For emergencies such as confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant jaundice with fever, call 911. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Guides in this topic
Doctor types
Frequently asked questions
What is the hepatitis A and B vaccine?
The hepatitis A and B vaccines are separate vaccines that help the body build protection against hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses, and combination products exist that cover both. They are FDA-licensed in the United States. A licensed clinician can explain whether they fit your situation.
What is the hepatitis vaccine schedule for adults?
The schedule depends on the specific product, your age, your health history and whether you have had doses before. Many hepatitis vaccines are given as a series of shots spaced over time, but the exact timing is something your clinician will set. Bring any vaccine records to your visit.
Do I need a hepatitis vaccine for travel?
It depends on where you are going, what you will be doing and your existing vaccination history. Hepatitis A in particular is more common in some regions, so travelers often ask about it. Ideally, talk with a clinician or travel medicine provider well before your trip, because some vaccines require multiple doses.
What is post-exposure hepatitis treatment?
Post-exposure care is a medical evaluation after a possible contact with hepatitis A or B, such as a needle-stick or close contact with an infected person. A clinician may discuss options like vaccination, immune globulin or follow-up testing depending on the situation. Because timing can matter, contact a licensed clinician promptly after a suspected exposure.
What are the general side effects of hepatitis vaccines?
Hepatitis vaccines are commonly associated with mild, short-lived effects such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness or a low-grade headache. Serious reactions are uncommon but possible. Tell your clinician about any allergies beforehand, and seek care right away for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing.
Who should get the hepatitis B vaccine?
Public health guidance has long recommended hepatitis B vaccination for infants and for many children and adults, including some people with certain health conditions, occupational exposures, travel plans or other risk factors. Recommendations can change, so ask a licensed clinician whether the vaccine is right for you.
Educational resource. Hep Programs shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.