What Is Hepatitis A? The hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. HepA Immunization Schedule The HepA vaccine is recommended for children 12 months and older, followed by a second dose at least 6 months later. HepA can be given as early as 6 months of age if a baby will travel to a place where hepatitis A is common. The baby will still need routine vaccination after the first birthday. It's also recommended for older kids who haven't already gotten it. Why Is HepA Recommended? The HepA vaccine not only protects the kids who get it. It also can help prevent outbreaks. An outbreak is when a disease happens in greater numbers than expected in a particular area. Childcare centers are a common site of hepatitis A outbreaks. Some kids can be infected and not have symptoms. But they can still spread the virus to others. Having many young kids vaccinated against hepatitis A can stop it from spreading in a community. Possible Risks of the HepA Vaccine Side effects usually are mild, and can include a mild fever and soreness or redness at the injection site. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare. When to Delay or Avoid HAV Immunization The HepA vaccine is not recommended if your child: is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization had a serious allergic reaction to the first dose of hepatitis A vaccine or has a latex allergy Caring for Your Child After HAV Immunization Your child may have fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness at the shot site. For pain and fever, check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and to find out the right dose. When Should I Call the Doctor? Call your doctor if: You aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided. There are problems after the immunization. Back to Articles Related Articles Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The hepatitis A vaccine has helped to make the infection rare in the United States. Read More Hepatitis Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Most cases are caused by a virus — either hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C — all of which can be passed to others by someone who is infected. Read More Immunization Schedule Which vaccines does your child need and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference. Read More Your Child's Immunizations Immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy. Read More Word! Vaccine A vaccine is another word for what most kids call a shot. Read More What Can I Do to Ease My Child's Fear of Shots? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Hepatitis Hepatitis, an infectious liver disease, is more contagious than HIV. Find out about the different types of hepatitis. Read More Hepatitis It's sneaky, it's silent, and it can permanently harm your liver. Read this article for more information on hepatitis. Read More Immunizations Missing out on shots puts you at more serious risk than you might think. That one little "ouch" moment protects you from some major health problems. Read More 5 Tips for Surviving Shots If you're afraid of shots, you're not alone. Next time your doc asks you to roll up your sleeve, try these tips. Read More How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Common Questions About Immunizations Immunizations have protected millions of children from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about immunizations and find out exactly what they do - and what they don't. Read More Hepatitis B Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads from person to person through blood or other body fluids. A vaccine is approved for people of all ages to prevent HBV infection. Read More Your Child's Immunizations: Hepatitis B Vaccine (HepB) Find out when and why your child needs this vaccine. Read More Hepatitis C The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through blood or other body fluids, and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The most common way people become infected is by sharing drug paraphernalia. Read More How Vaccines Help (Video) Vaccines help keep kids healthy, but many parents still have questions about them. Get answers here. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.