Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver.
  • Symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). 
  • Symptoms may last for several weeks, but most people fully recover. 
  • Recovering from a hepatitis A infection or being vaccinated will provide lifelong immunity against hepatitis A. This does not provide immunity or protection against hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
  • Immunisation is the best and safest protection against hepatitis A. Immunisation is recommended for people in high-risk groups.
  • Common immunisation side effects are usually mild and temporary (occurring in the first few days after vaccination) and do not require specific treatment.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 01-05-2023