Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (By injection)
hep-a-TYE-tis A VAX-een, in-AK-ti-vay-ted
Prevents infection caused by hepatitis A virus.
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Hepatitis A vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
Hepatitis A is a serious disease of the liver that can cause death. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), and is spread most often through infected food or water. Hepatitis A may also be spread by close person-to-person contact with infected persons (such as between persons living in the same household). Although some infected persons do not appear to be sick, they are still able to spread the virus to others.
Hepatitis A is less common in the U.S. and other areas of the world that have a higher level of sanitation and good water and sewage (waste) systems. However, it is a significant health problem in parts of the world that do not have such systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote (out-of-the-way) areas, hepatitis A vaccine will help protect you from hepatitis A disease.
It is recommended that adults and children 12 months of age and older to be vaccinated with hepatitis A vaccine when traveling to the following parts of the world:
Africa.
Asia (except Japan).
Parts of the Caribbean.
Central and South America.
Eastern Europe.
The Mediterranean basin.
The Middle East.
Mexico.
Immunization against hepatitis A disease is also recommended for adults and children 12 months of age and older who live in areas that have a high rate of hepatitis A disease or who may be at increased risk of infection from hepatitis A virus. These persons include:
Military personnel. Persons living in or moving to areas that have a high rate of HAV infection. Persons who may be exposed to the hepatitis A virus repeatedly due to a high rate of hepatitis A disease, such as Alaskan Eskimos and Native Americans. Persons engaging in high-risk sexual activity, such as homosexual and bisexual males. Persons who use illegal injection drugs. Persons living in a community experiencing an outbreak of hepatitis A. Persons working in facilities for the mentally retarded. Employees of child day-care centers. Persons who work with hepatitis A virus in the laboratory. Persons who handle primate animals. Persons with hemophilia. Food handlers. Persons with chronic liver disease.This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
You will receive a first dose of the vaccine and may get a second (booster) dose 6 to 12 months later.
If a dose is missed:
It is important that you or your child receive all doses at the right time. If you miss your scheduled shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer medicine. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).
When Not To Use
You should not receive this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of hepatitis A vaccine or to neomycin.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you or your child have liver disease, a bleeding problem (such as hemophilia), a weak immune system from a disease or medicine, or severe illness with a fever.
Tell your doctor if you have a cold or the flu, especially if you have a fever. You may need to wait until you are well to receive this vaccine.
Your first shot of the vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks before you may be exposed to the hepatitis A virus. If you already have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus or if you need longer-term protection, you may receive an immune globulin shot when you get the hepatitis A vaccine.
This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after you get the injection.
Tell your doctor if you or your child are allergic to latex. The needle cover and the rubber plunger of the prefilled syringe contain dry natural latex rubber, which may cause an allergic reaction in people with a latex allergy.
This vaccine may not protect you against hepatitis A infection if you are already infected with the virus at the time you receive the shot.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
Fever of 99.5 degrees F or higher.
Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
Mild skin rash.
Pain, redness, swelling, itching, bruising, or a lump where the shot was given.
Tiredness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
