Hepatitis A Vaccine in Singapore

Should I Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for adults and children aged 12 months and above in the following groups:

• Travellers to countries with moderate to high Hepatitis A circulation — most of Asia (excluding Japan and Singapore), Africa, Central and South America, parts of the Middle East
• Food handlers and people working in food service or food preparation
• People with chronic liver disease, including chronic Hepatitis B or C carriers, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis — complications are more severe in this group
• People living with HIV — immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe disease
• Men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs — both at higher behavioural risk
• People experiencing homelessness or unstable housing
• Household or close contacts of someone with acute Hepatitis A infection
• People with occupational risk, such as healthcare and laboratory workers handling HAV samples, sewerage workers, and childcare staff working with young children
• Anyone who wants protection regardless of risk profile — the vaccine is safe and highly effective

If you grew up in a country where Hepatitis A was common, you may already be immune from past exposure (often subclinical). A simple blood test for Hepatitis A IgG antibodies can confirm immunity and avoid unnecessary vaccination — your doctor can arrange this if appropriate.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

If you have had a recent exposure to Hepatitis A — for example, a household member or close contact with confirmed acute infection — the Hepatitis A vaccine can be used for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is most effective when given within 2 weeks of exposure. For travellers aged over 40, those who are immunocompromised, or those with chronic liver disease who are departing within 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend an additional dose of human immunoglobulin (IG) alongside the vaccine for faster protection. Twinrix is not used for post-exposure prophylaxis — only the standalone Hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix) is appropriate for PEP.

What to Expect at Your Visit

1. Short consultation — your doctor reviews your medical history, allergies, any current illness, planned travel, and prior Hepatitis A or B vaccinations. Takes around 10–15 minutes.
2. Vaccine administered — a single injection into the upper arm. Takes seconds.
3. Brief observation — a short wait (typically 15 minutes) to check for any immediate reactions.
4. Follow-up scheduled — our team will book your second dose at 6 to 12 months later (Havrix), or your next dose per the Twinrix schedule.

Common side effects

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days
• Mild fever, headache or tiredness
• Occasionally, mild nausea or temporary loss of appetite
• Mild muscle aches

Serious reactions are rare. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling) or a widespread itchy rash.

Precautions and contraindications

Let your doctor know if any of the following apply to you:

• Severe allergic reaction to a previous Hepatitis A vaccine or any of its components, including neomycin
• Severe yeast allergy — this is a contraindication to Twinrix (the Hepatitis B component is grown in yeast and contains trace yeast residuals). Standalone Havrix does not contain yeast.
• Severe latex allergy — the tip cap of some prefilled syringe presentations may contain natural rubber latex; flag this so your doctor can confirm the presentation used
• Active fever or moderate-to-severe illness on the day of the appointment — vaccination is usually deferred until you have recovered
• Pregnancy — the Hepatitis A vaccine is inactivated (non-live) and is generally considered safe in pregnancy when clinically indicated; your doctor will discuss timing

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication or precaution — the inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine poses no known risk to mothers who are breastfeeding or to their infants.