How do you take Hepatitis A vaccine, Live?

This vaccine is given as an injection by a trained health worker, not something you take yourself at home. Adults typically receive one dose injected into the muscle of the upper arm, followed by a booster dose 6 to 12 months later for long-lasting protection. Your health worker will tell you when to come back for the second dose.

What are the side effects of Hepatitis A vaccine, Live?

Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given, mild headache, feeling tired or weak, mild fever, loss of appetite

Who should not take Hepatitis A vaccine, Live?

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of Hepatitis A vaccine or any of its ingredients, people with very weak immune systems (e.g., from HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment), anyone currently having a high fever or serious illness (wait until you recover), and infants under 12 months of age.

Prescription

Vaccine (Live attenuated viral vaccine)

Hepatitis A vaccine, Live

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Hepatitis A vaccine (live) is a weakened form of the Hepatitis A virus given as an injection to help your body build protection (immunity) against Hepatitis A infection, so your immune system learns to fight the real virus if you ever come in contact with it.

How it works

Stimulates innate and adaptive immune responses by presenting attenuated hepatitis A viral antigens to dendritic cells and T lymphocytes, generating cellular and humoral immunity (IgG and IgM antibodies) that provide durable protection against wild-type hepatitis A virus infection.

What is it used for?

Prevention of Hepatitis A infection (a liver disease you can get from contaminated food or water)

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Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Make sure you receive this vaccine only at a registered hospital, clinic, or approved immunization centre, never from unverified sources. Always go back for your booster dose to get full protection. Keep your vaccination card safe as proof of immunization, especially if you are travelling abroad.

Common Side Effects

Pain
redness
or swelling where the injection was given
mild headache
feeling tired or weak
mild fever
loss of appetite

Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fast heartbeat, rash all over the body) requires immediate hospital visit. High fever that does not go down or unusual weakness lasting more than a few days should also be reported to your doctor right away.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking drugs that weaken your immune system (like steroids or cancer medicines), the vaccine may not work as well, so inform your doctor. Blood thinners like warfarin may increase bleeding at the injection site. Let your health worker know about all medicines you are currently taking before getting the vaccine.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before receiving this vaccine, as live vaccines are generally used with caution during pregnancy.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of Hepatitis A vaccine or any of its ingredients
people with very weak immune systems (e.g., from HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment)
anyone currently having a high fever or serious illness (wait until you recover)
and infants under 12 months of age.

How to Store

This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and should never be frozen. It is handled by health facilities with proper cold chain storage, so do not attempt to store it at home in regular Nigerian room temperature as heat will spoil it. Keep out of reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.