Hepatitis A vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Hepatitis A vaccination: Hepatitis A is an infectious liver inflammation that is usually transmitted through contaminated water or food. Adults often have a more pronounced course of the disease, but children can also develop noticeable symptoms and pass on the virus over a longer period of time.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a contagious viral infection, which triggers an acute inflammation of the liver. In addition to hepatitis A, there are also hepatitis B and C. These viral infections differ primarily in their transmission and the possible course of the disease.
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | fecal-oral (smear infection, contaminated food and foodstuffs such as seafood, drinking water) | Blood, Body fluids | mainly through the blood |
| Course | always acute, No chronic illness | Acute or chronic | often chronic |
| Vaccination | Yes | Included in the Austrian childhood vaccination program | No vaccination, but treatable |
The hepatitis A virus is usually absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract, where it multiplies before reaching the liver via the bloodstream.
In Austria only has isolated cases of hepatitis A. Many infections are brought in by returning travelers, who have been infected in regions with lower hygiene standards - for example in the Mediterranean, parts of Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa or South America. This means that outbreaks can occasionally occur here too, often within families or in communal facilities such as nurseries.
High contagiousness
Hepatitis A is extremely infectious
Even the smallest amounts of virus are enough
Transmission via:
unwashed hands
Toys
Winding situations
Shared surfaces
Hygiene alone is often not enough in everyday life.
Symptoms of hepatitis
Hepatitis A infection is often mild in children, although they can pass on the virus before the first symptoms appear. The incubation period is between 15 and 50 days, on average around 28 days. During this period, the virus multiplies in the body and eventually reaches the liver, where it triggers an inflammation.
Typical symptoms often start suddenly and can last for several weeks.
Tiredness and fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain, especially in the right upper abdomen
Loss of appetite
Fever
Dark urine
Bright chair
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Course of the disease and treatment for hepatitis A
In most patients, hepatitis A heals completely within a few weeks. Recovery can be protracted and the general weakness often lasts for several weeks. Complications are rare, but are more likely to occur with existing liver disease or a weakened immune system.
As there is no targeted Antiviral treatment therapy is primarily based on rest, sufficient drinking and a diet that is gentle on the liver. In cases of severe itching, nausea or pain, accompanying medication can help. Only in a few cases - such as severe acute liver inflammation - is inpatient monitoring or intensive medical care necessary.
Procedure for the hepatitis A vaccination
The vaccination against hepatitis A consists of two doses, which together provide long-lasting protection for at least 20 years, often even longer. Relevant protection is already available around two weeks after the first injection.
1st vaccination: from the age of 1 at the earliest
2nd vaccination6 to 12 months after the first dose
The second dose is for long-term immunity. If the interval is exceeded once, the vaccination series must be not The treatment can be restarted - the missing dose is simply made up.
Important to know: The hepatitis A vaccination is available in two forms.
Single vaccine (hepatitis A only)
Combination vaccine (hepatitis A + B)
Combination vaccination against hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is given as standard in Austria as part of the free standard vaccinations for infants (as a 6-dose combination) from the age of 3 months. A booster is recommended later. 
That means:
Many children are already immunized against hepatitis B through the standard 6-dose vaccination (three doses in infancy). 
So if you also vaccinate for hepatitis A from the age of 1, a separate hepatitis A vaccination is often sufficient.
If you do not have complete hepatitis B protection or want to refresh it, the combination vaccination (A + B) may be useful.
Once the vaccination series has been completed, protection against both diseases lasts for many years.
Vaccination against hepatitis A in adulthood
A hepatitis A vaccination can also be useful for adults - especially if there is an increased risk of infection or before traveling. As hepatitis A is easily transmitted via contaminated food and water and outbreaks in Austria are often caused by returning travelers, the National vaccination committee the vaccination in certain situations explicitly.
In the Ordination Glückskind we will be happy to advise you on your individual case and discuss any questions you may have regarding vaccination protection, the procedure or possible side effects.
There is a higher risk of hepatitis A for:
Travelers to countries with a high incidence of hepatitis A
Occupationally vulnerable groups, including medical staff, kindergarten and childcare staff, employees in wastewater or sewage treatment plants or laboratory staff
People with chronic liver disease
People with close contact to infected persons
Men who have sexual intercourse with men
Frequently asked questions and answers
Is vaccination against hepatitis A compulsory?
No, the hepatitis A vaccination is not mandatory in Austria. However, the National Vaccination Committee recommends it for certain situations, such as Travel to regions with higher infection rates, an increased risk of infection or close contact with infected persons. General vaccination recommendations can also be found in the official Vaccination plan Austria.
How high is the risk of infection with hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is easily transmitted and spreads quickly via contaminated water, contaminated food or smear infections. Children can often pass on the virus before the first symptoms appear, which is why it is outbreaks in families or community facilities can come.
What are the benefits of hepatitis A vaccination in children?
The vaccination effectively protects children from acute liver inflammation and reduces the risk of infecting others unnoticed. It also ensures long-lasting protection and is particularly recommended when traveling or entering communal facilities.
Is it necessary to be vaccinated against hepatitis B at the same time?
It is not necessary, but it can be useful - especially if you do not have full hepatitis B vaccination protection or want to build up long-term travel protection at the same time. The Combination vaccination against hepatitis A and B reduces the number of injections and offers broader protection.