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# Hepatitis A vaccine

Inactivated whole hepatitis A virus with aluminium adjuvant. It prevents hepatitis A and can be used soon after exposure.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Viral vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/viral-vaccines/)
- Target: Hepatitis A virus capsid
- ATC code: J07BC02
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

Also called: HepA vaccine, Hepatitis A and B (combination)

◆**Hepatitis A virus capsid**Hepatitis A vaccine

ⓘ The figure shows the hepatitis A virus capsid; the vaccine contains the whole virus inactivated with formalin.

**Target in 3D:** Hepatitis A virus capsid. PDB structure 4QPI (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/4QPI) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## Mechanism of action

Formalin-inactivated virus adsorbed to aluminium induces neutralising antibodies against the capsid. Hepatitis A spreads by the faecal-oral route, is often silent in young children and more often causes jaundice in adults; it does not become chronic. The vaccine can also be given after exposure, as the incubation period leaves time for antibodies to form.

- Inactivated whole virus is injected with aluminium adjuvant
- Neutralising antibodies form against the capsid
- Antibodies stop virus from the gut reaching the liver
- Given within two weeks of exposure, it can still prevent disease

## Pharmacokinetics

**Onset and duration**
Used for post-exposure prophylaxis within two weeks of exposure

## Indications

- Prevention of hepatitis A [Viral hepatitis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/viral-hepatitis/)
- Post-exposure prophylaxis in unvaccinated people aged 12 months or older

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- Fever, headache

### Serious (rare, important)

- Anaphylaxis (rare)

## Contraindications

- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a component
- Combined hepatitis A and B vaccine: also the hepatitis B vaccine contraindications (yeast)

## Key interactions

**Normal immunoglobulin**
Alternative or complement after exposure: for infants too young to vaccinate or when the vaccine is contraindicated; immunocompromised contacts receive both

## What is monitored

- Series complete
- Contacts of a case identified for post-exposure prophylaxis

## Administration and safety

- Intramuscular route
- Check whether it is a paediatric or adult formulation, or the combined A + B product
- Record the batch and product

## Nursing care

- Ask about reactions to previous doses
- Identify exposed contacts for prompt prophylaxis
- Teach hand hygiene and safe water and food

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safety data from vaccination in pregnancy have shown no increased risk for most adverse outcomes.

## Memory aid

"A for Alimentary": faecal-oral, acute only, never chronic; killed vaccine, works even after exposure.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Does hepatitis A become chronic?

No: a chronic carrier state has not been described, although relapsing or prolonged illness can occur.

## Why are many young children with hepatitis A not diagnosed?

Most infections in young children are asymptomatic; jaundice is more frequent in older children and adults.

## What can be given after exposure to an unvaccinated person aged 12 months or older?

Hepatitis A vaccine within two weeks of exposure; immunoglobulin is added or used in certain groups.

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## Related drugs

- [Hepatitis B vaccine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/hepatitis-b-vaccine/)

## Related conditions

- [Viral hepatitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/viral-hepatitis/)

[← Back to the class: Viral vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/viral-vaccines/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Chapter 9: Hepatitis A | Pink Book | CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-9-hepatitis-a.html) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=J07BC&showdescription=no) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/hepatitis-a-vaccine/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/hepatitis-a-vaccine/