Healthcare professionals administer the hepatitis A vaccine in two doses. They give the first dose when the infant is between 12 and 23 months old and the second dose 6 months after the first.

The hepatitis A vaccine offers protection against the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Most people receive their first dose of this vaccine when they are infants. However, anyone can get the hepatitis A vaccine to protect themselves from the virus regardless of age.

This article will review the hepatitis A vaccine schedule for pediatrics, what to do if someone skips a vaccine dose, and who else should consider getting the vaccine.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the hepatitis A vaccine is very safe for infants. It is an important tool to prevent infection with HAV.

Healthcare professionals administer the vaccine in two injections, or shots, at least 6 months apart.

They give the first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine to children between 12 and 23 months of age and the second dose 6 to 18 months after that.

Additionally, they can administer the hepatitis A vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.

Recent exposure to hepatitis A

The CDC recommends that all unvaccinated people over 12 months old who have recently had HAV exposure receive a single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible.

Infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months should also receive one dose of the vaccine if they are traveling outside the United States to an area where there are reports of high or intermediate levels of hepatitis A.

Children receiving a dose of the vaccine for traveling purposes will still receive the usual two doses. Doing so should provide them with long-term protection from the virus. Caregivers can speak with a healthcare professional if they have concerns about how traveling might affect a child’s vaccine schedule.

Doctors recommend that people receive the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine within 18 months of their first. The minimum time between both doses is 6 months.

If they received the first and second doses less than 6 months apart, the second dose is invalid. The child would need to repeat the second dose.

However, it may not always be possible for children to receive their second dose in time. If this occurs, an individual can and should still receive their second dose. If there is a delay in the second dose, people do not need to repeat their first dose.

The hepatitis A vaccine can help protect people from HAV and serious illness regardless of their age. If a person did not get the vaccine when they were infants, they need to consider catch-up vaccination.

Older children and adolescents who have not previously received a hepatitis A vaccination should get two doses of the vaccine, similar to infants. Unvaccinated adults over 18 years of age may require between two and four doses of the hepatitis A vaccine, depending on the type of vaccine they receive.

How long does the pediatric hep A vaccine last?

Specialists do not know exactly how long the pediatric hep A vaccine offers protection. However, they know it protects children against HAV for 14 to 20 years.

How often do kids get the hepatitis vaccine?

Kids often receive vaccinations to protect against two types: hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Healthcare professionals give the hepatitis A vaccine in two doses when the infant is between 12 and 23 months old. They usually give the second dose 6 months later.

The vaccine schedule for hepatitis B is slightly different. There are three doses — the infant receives the first dose shortly after birth, the second one when they are 1 to 2 months old, and the final dose when they are 6 to 18 months old.

Infants between 12 and 23 months of age should get the first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine and then a second dose 6 to 18 months later.

It is generally safe for infants and is effective at protecting against hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and serious illness. People who travel abroad, have certain health conditions, or follow certain lifestyles need to consider getting vaccinated.

If a person did not get the hepatitis A vaccine during their childhood, they can still receive catch-up vaccinations to become protected against HAV.