Hepatitis A and B are two viruses that affect your liver's ability to function.

Hepatitis A is usually spread through ingesting contaminated food or water or close contact (including sexual contact) with an infected person. The hepatitis A virus can cause a flu-like illness, a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) along with severe stomach pains and diarrhea.

Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It spreads through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, including contact with objects that could have blood or body fluids on them such as toothbrushes and razors. It can cause a short-term flu-like illness, or long-term infection that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer or death. Babies and young children infected with hepatitis B are more likely to get this chronic form of the disease.

The hepatitis A & B combination vaccine contains both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines to prevent these two forms of hepatitis. It’s administered either as 3 doses over a 6-month period or 3 shots administered over 1 month with the addition of a booster shot after 1 year.

This combination vaccine can be given to people ages 18+ and is recommended for individuals at an increased risk of getting hepatitis A and B infections.

• Anyone with a life-threatening allergy to any vaccine component, such as aluminum, neomycin, or yeast

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the hepatitis A & B combination vaccine

• Anyone with moderate or severe illness should wait until they recover to be vaccinated

People who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should ask their doctor if they should receive the vaccine.

Mild-to-moderate side effects:

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site

• Tiredness

• Headache

Severe side effects, although rare, may include serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Hives

• Pale skin

• Fast heartbeat

• Dizziness

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unexpected or worsening reactions after receiving a vaccine.