What it is
Hepatitis vaccines are preventive medical products designed to help the body recognize the viruses that cause hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Hepatitis A is generally an acute, self-limited illness, while hepatitis B can become a chronic infection in some people. There is no hepatitis C vaccine available at this time.
A side effect is any response a person has after receiving a vaccine, whether mild or more significant. In general, the effects people talk about most are short-lived and local, such as soreness where the shot was given, or a general feeling of tiredness. Individual experiences differ from person to person.
Vaccines in the United States are regulated by the FDA, and they are available by prescription or through a licensed clinician or pharmacy depending on the product and the setting. Whether a particular vaccine is appropriate for you is a decision for a licensed clinician after talking with you about your health history.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Vaccination has traditionally been one of the main public health approaches to preventing hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Health authorities have long discussed vaccination for children, for travelers, and for adults in certain circumstances.
Alongside vaccination, people have traditionally approached prevention through screening, hygiene, safe food and water practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood or body fluids. Different approaches fit different situations, and none replaces a conversation with a clinician.
Clinicians have also traditionally reviewed a person's history before vaccination, including past reactions to vaccines, allergies, current illness, pregnancy, and other health conditions. This review is part of how side effects are discussed and monitored in everyday care.
How the right doctor may help
The right licensed doctor may help you understand what is generally known about vaccine reactions and how that applies to you. A visit often begins with questions about your health history, any previous vaccines, allergies, and your reasons for asking. It can be a calm, unhurried place to talk through worries.
You might ask: Which hepatitis vaccines might be relevant for me, and why? What reactions are commonly discussed, and what would be worth reporting? Is there anything in my history that you would want to consider first? Would screening or checking immunity be part of the conversation?
A clinician may also explain what to watch for after vaccination and whom to contact with questions. They can make decisions about whether and when vaccination is appropriate. Providers.plus lists licensed providers if you are looking for a doctor to talk with.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other, and that includes how people feel about medical care. Worry about a shot, or about possible side effects, can shape how a person experiences the whole process. Rest, good hydration habits, and a supportive routine are things many people find grounding around any health appointment.
If anxiety about needles or health decisions feels heavy, body-based support such as that offered through Somatic Experiences may appeal to some people, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus may help others. These approaches are complementary, and the choice is personal.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational and is not medical advice; only a licensed clinician can decide whether a vaccine is right for you.
- Do not start, stop, or delay any vaccination based on this page; talk with a licensed professional about your own situation.
- Severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, confusion, or severe abdominal pain need emergency care, so call 911.
- If you are in emotional distress or a crisis, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What are the general side effects of the hepatitis vaccine?
Commonly discussed hepatitis vaccine side effects are mild and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site or feeling tired. Experiences vary from person to person. A licensed clinician can explain what is relevant for the specific vaccine and your health history.
Are hepatitis vaccines safe?
Hepatitis vaccines are FDA-regulated medical products, and they are widely used in routine care. Whether one is appropriate for you depends on your individual health, so it is best to ask a licensed clinician. They can talk through benefits and possible risks with you.
Can the hepatitis vaccine give you hepatitis?
This is a common concern, and it is a good question to bring to a clinician. They can explain how the specific vaccine you are considering works and what it does and does not contain. Ask them to describe it in plain language.
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?
No, there is no hepatitis C vaccine available at this time. Hepatitis C can often be treated and cleared with modern antiviral medication, and screening is a conversation to have with a licensed clinician. Vaccines do exist for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Who should talk to a doctor before getting a hepatitis vaccine?
Anyone with questions can talk with a licensed clinician, and it is especially useful if you have had a past reaction to a vaccine, have allergies, are pregnant, or are unwell. A clinician can review your history and decide what is appropriate. Bringing a list of your questions can help.
When should I seek urgent care after a vaccine?
Call 911 for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, confusion, or severe abdominal pain. For less urgent concerns, contact the clinician or pharmacy that gave the vaccine. This site is not for emergencies.
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.