Solv / Vaccines / Hepatitis A & B vaccines

Find a Hepatitis vaccine near me

Book a same-day Hepatitis A or B vaccine near you. Protect yourself and others from serious liver infections with safe, effective CDC-recommended vaccines available through local providers.

Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact.

Hepatitis B spreads via infected body fluids like blood.

Vaccines significantly reduce risk of chronic liver disease complications.

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What are Hepatitis A and B?

Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that primarily affect the liver and can lead to significant health complications if not properly managed, according to the CDC.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), typically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. It often results in mild illness, but can lead to severe symptoms in some cases. Vaccination can effectively prevent Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood or sexual contact. It can lead to chronic liver disease and increases the risk of liver cancer. Vaccination is also available and recommended for prevention.

Who should get the Hepatitis vaccine?

Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B is crucial for protecting individuals at higher risk of infection. The CDC recommends that the following groups are recommended to receive the Hepatitis vaccine to ensure their health and prevent the spread of these viral infections:

Unvaccinated children, especially those aged 1 year and older
All patients ages 19 to 59 who have not been vaccinated
Adults 60 years and older
Individuals with chronic liver disease or liver conditions
People with certain occupational risks, such as healthcare workers
Travelers to countries where Hepatitis A or B is common
Individuals with multiple sexual partners or those at risk of sexually transmitted infections
People who use injection drugs or share needles

Why get the Hepatitis A and B vaccine?

Getting the Hepatitis A and B vaccine is an essential step in preventing infection and protecting overall health. The CDC explains that these vaccines are highly effective in providing immunity against the respective viruses, significantly reducing the risk of contracting these liver infections. By immunizing oneself, individuals not only safeguard their own health but also contribute to the broader public health goal of reducing the prevalence of these diseases within the community. Vaccination helps prevent serious complications associated with Hepatitis A and B, such as liver damage and chronic illness, making it a vital preventive measure for individuals at risk and the general population alike.

Types of Hepatitis vaccines

Vaccination is a key strategy in the prevention of Hepatitis A and B, and several types of vaccines are available to help individuals protect themselves against these viral infections, according to the CDC. They explain that each vaccine plays a specific role in providing immunity and can be accessed through healthcare providers, including those listed on Solv.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccine is a series of shots that help the body develop immunity against the Hepatitis B virus. It is typically administered in three doses over a six-month period and is recommended for infants, children, and adults who are at risk.

Best for infants, healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, or anyone at increased risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Hepatitis A antibody

The Hepatitis A antibody vaccine provides immediate protection against the Hepatitis A virus. It is often used for individuals who may be exposed to the virus in specific situations, such as travel to endemic areas or outbreaks.

Best for travelers to high-risk countries or individuals needing rapid protection during an outbreak.

Hepatitis B surface antibody

The Hepatitis B surface antibody test is not a vaccine but a blood test that determines if an individual has developed immunity to the Hepatitis B virus after vaccination or previous infection. It is essential for assessing vaccination status.

Best for people verifying immunity for school, work, or clinical settings—especially healthcare workers.

Hepatitis B surface antigen

The Hepatitis B surface antigen test is also a blood test that indicates the presence of the Hepatitis B virus in the body. It is used to diagnose an active infection and monitor the health of individuals with chronic Hepatitis B.

Best for individuals with known exposure to Hepatitis B or those being monitored for ongoing infection.

Where to get a Hepatitis vaccine

Finding a Hepatitis A or B vaccine near you is simple and convenient. Through platforms like Solv, you can book a same-day or future appointment at nearby clinics and pharmacies that offer CDC-recommended vaccines.

Whether you need your first dose or are completing a vaccine series, Solv helps you find a nearby location, view real-time availability, compare clinics, and book online instantly.

Other common travel vaccines

Before traveling internationally, it’s important to protect yourself against diseases that may be rare in the U.S. but common elsewhere. Vaccination can help prevent serious illness and is often required for entry into certain countries. Below are some of the most common travel vaccines and who should consider them based on destination.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Prevents a highly contagious viral infection with an itchy rash and fever. Recommended if you’ve never had chickenpox or weren’t vaccinated.

Recommended for travelers to Asia, Africa, and Central/South America without prior immunity.

Flu (Influenza)

Protects against seasonal flu viruses that spread easily worldwide, especially during local flu seasons.

Recommended for all international travelers, especially to crowded or high-risk areas.

Hepatitis A & B

Protects against liver infections—Hep A from contaminated food/water; Hep B from blood or body fluids.

Recommended for travel to Africa, Asia, Central/South America, and the Middle East.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Protects against three highly contagious viral infections: measles (rash and fever), mumps (swollen glands), and rubella (mild illness that can cause birth defects in pregnancy).

Recommended for travelers visiting regions with known outbreaks or low vaccination rates, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Tetanus (Td or Tdap)

Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which can be life-threatening. A booster is needed every 10 years.

Recommended for all travelers, especially to areas with limited medical care.

Yellow fever

Prevents a serious mosquito-borne viral disease. Required for entry into some countries.

Recommended or required for travel to parts of Africa and South America.

FAQs

What are the side effects of the hepatitis B combination vaccine?
Common side effects of the hepatitis B combination vaccine may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, and headache. Serious side effects are rare.
Can hepatitis B be prevented?
Yes, hepatitis B can be effectively prevented through vaccination, which provides immunity against the virus.
How is hepatitis B spread?
Hepatitis B is primarily spread through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. This can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Who is at a higher risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus?
Individuals at higher risk include healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, those who use injection drugs, and infants born to infected mothers.
Can hepatitis A be prevented?
Yes, hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination and practicing good hygiene, such as proper handwashing and consuming safe food and water.
How is hepatitis A spread?
Hepatitis A is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water, or through close personal contact with an infected person.
Who should not get the hepatitis A vaccine?
Individuals who have a severe allergic reaction to a component of the vaccine or those who are currently ill should avoid receiving the hepatitis A vaccine.
What are some of the potential vaccine side effects?
Potential side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, and headache, though serious side effects are rare.
Who is at a higher risk of contracting the hepatitis A virus?
Individuals at higher risk include travelers to areas with high hepatitis A prevalence, people with close contact to infected individuals, and those with certain liver diseases.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD, is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician and urgent care executive. He earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College, currently serves on multiple boards and is Solv’s Chief Medical Officer.

How we reviewed this article

Medically reviewed

View this article’s sources and history, and read more about Solv’s Content Mission Statement, editorial process, and editorial team.

Sources

4 sources

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Administration. (February 27, 2025) https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/hcp/vaccine-administration/index.html
Hepatitis B Vaccine. (February 27, 2025) https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/vaccination/index.html
Hepatitis A Vaccine. (February 27, 2025) https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-a/vaccination/index.html
Hepatitis A Administration. (February 27, 2025) https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-a/hcp/vaccine-administration/index.html

4 sources

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.