Should you get the hepatitis A vaccine?

You may need the vaccine against hepatitis A if you

• have a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis C
• use illegal drugs
• are a man who has sex with other men
• work in a setting that puts you at risk for hepatitis A infection
• receive blood products such as clotting factors
• live in areas or in communities where there are high rates of hepatitis A infection
• travel or work in countries with high rates of hepatitis A infection (these tend to be developing countries with very poor sanitary and hygienic conditions, such as certain parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America)

You should not get the hepatitis A vaccine or you should wait, if you

• had a serious allergic reaction to a previous hepatitis A vaccine
• are ill at the time the shot is scheduled
  (If you are just mildly ill, ask your doctor or nurse if it is okay for you to receive the vaccine.)

Speak with your VA health care provider to see if you should be vaccinated against hepatitis A.