Hepatitis A vaccine

During your visit, a MinuteClinic provider can talk with you about your risk for contracting hepatitis A and answer any questions you may have about the vaccine. Your MinuteClinic provider can also give you the hepatitis A vaccine injection if you decide it is right for you.

1. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   If you made your appointment online
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

2. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
3. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for the visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
4. At the end of your visit, you will be provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Any adult over 18 years old who has a high chance of encountering the virus should protect themselves by getting the hepatitis A vaccine. This may include, but is not exclusive to:

• Unvaccinated people who have chronic liver disease.
• People with HIV.
• People who work in settings serving high-risk individuals.
• Recreational intravenous drug users.
• Sex partners of people who have the virus.
• People who are experiencing homelessness.
• Unvaccinated people, along with those who have never had hepatitis A and are traveling internationally to areas where hepatitis A is common, should get the vaccine. Those traveling to urban areas, resorts or luxury hotels in countries where hepatitis A is common are still at risk and should get the vaccine.
• Those who are pregnant who are at risk for hepatitis A.
• It is also recommended that children receive the vaccine. Ages for receiving the vaccine are:
• Young children between the ages of 12 and 23 months (MinuteClinic® can only serve patients ages 18 months and older at this time. If your child is 17 months or younger, please contact your pediatrician to find another provider to administer the hepatitis A vaccine.)
• Children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 18 years who have not yet had the hepatitis A vaccine (This is called a “catch-up” vaccination.)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been no serious side effects reported. Some people may be a little sore in the area where they got the shot or may develop a slight fever. These side effects typically only last a day or two.

Hepatitis A is commonly found in human feces and in food stored or prepared in unsanitary conditions. The virus can pass from person to person when you eat food or drink beverages (including water) touched by an infected person who did not properly wash their hands after using the bathroom. You can also contract hepatitis A by eating raw seafood that comes from water polluted with sewage.

Having sex or being in close contact with someone infected with hepatitis A can also transmit the virus.

Common symptoms of hepatitis A include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Dark urine or pale stool
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Pain in muscles, joints or stomach area
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Intense itching

Vaccination is the best way to prevent a hepatitis A infection.

However, if you plan to travel to parts of the world with frequent hepatitis A outbreaks, minimize your risk by following these steps:

• Avoid beverages and ice that might not be clean.
• Drink purified, bottled water and use it when you brush your teeth. Boil tap water when bottled water is not available.
• Do not consume raw or undercooked meat and fish.
• Wash and peel all fruit and vegetables before you eat them.