Key facts
- Number of doses: 2.
- Free for: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in WA, NT, SA and Qld at 18 months of age and 4 years of age.
- Side effects can include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, and mild fever.
What is hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that can cause liver disease. It is highly contagious, and spreads when a person comes into contact with infected faeces (poo) of someone with hepatitis A, including through contaminated food or water, or close personal contact.
What is the hepatitis A vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from hepatitis A. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes hepatitis A, without causing the disease itself.
Hepatitis A vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against hepatitis A and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.
You can find product information and consumer medicine information about hepatitis A vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Who can get the hepatitis A vaccine
The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland at:
- 18 months of age
- 4 years of age.
Children must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one.
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP
Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.
If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.
Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.
How the hepatitis A vaccine is given
The vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly).
Costs
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.
Side effects
Most side effects of hepatitis A vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.
Common side effects include:
- mild fever
- pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.
Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.
Safety data
See safety data for the free vaccines given at 18 months of age and 4 years of age from AusVaxSafety.
Checking immunisation history
You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Information for health professionals
If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.
You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook hepatitis A page.
Next steps
Talk to a health professional to confirm if the hepatitis A vaccine is free or recommended for your child.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
- View our NIP resources.
- Visit our Childhood immunisation site.
Vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Learn about the vaccines recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in your state or territory.
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