Who should get the hepatitis A vaccine?
All children aged 12 months to 18 years are recommended to get two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine.
Adults who were not vaccinated as children may be vaccinated at any time.
Certain adults who may be at higher risk for hepatitis A infection should be vaccinated, including:
- People who use injection or non-injection drugs
- People who are homeless
- People who are or recently were incarcerated
- Men who have sex with men
- People with chronic liver disease like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C
- People who are traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common
- People with chronic liver disease like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C as they have an increased risk of complications if infected with hepatitis A
Where can people get the hepatitis A vaccine?
Talk to your medical provider about the hepatitis A vaccine. In South Carolina, adults 18 years and older can get vaccinated at some local pharmacies without a prescription, depending on your insurance coverage. To search for a nearby pharmacy that offers vaccines, visit www.vaccinefinder.org.
DHEC’s local health departments also provide hepatitis A vaccines. DHEC has an Adult Vaccine Program that provides low-cost vaccines for uninsured or underinsured individuals who are 19 years and older.
DHEC’s local health departments are currently providing no-cost hepatitis A vaccines to individuals in at-risk groups (drug users, homeless, recently incarcerated, and men who have sex with men).
Schedule an appointment
To schedule an appointment for vaccination at your local health department, call 855-472-3432 or visit www.scdhec.gov/health/health-public-health-clinics.