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Hepatitis A - vaccine
Definition:
An immunization (vaccination) to protect against Hepatitis A (inflammation of the liver caused by a virus). The vaccine stimulates your body to produce antibodies against the Hepatitis A virus. Note that this vaccine will not protect you from other types of hepatitis. See also immunizations - general overview.

Alternative Names:
Vaccine - Hepatitis A; Immunization - Hepatitis A

Information:
The vaccine, called Havrix or Vaqta, is an inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine. It is given by an intramuscular injection in your arm. You should be protected against the disease within two to weeks after receiving the first injection.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE:
To ensure complete immunization against the disease, two or three vaccinations are required.
Children between the ages of 2 to 18 years old:
Children will need to receive three vaccinations. Once you receive the first vaccination, you should have a booster vaccination in one month and then again in six to 12 months.

Adults 19 years old and older:
Adults will need to receive two vaccinations. Once you receive a vaccination, you will need a booster shot in six to 12 months to ensure complete immunization.

WHO SHOULD BE IMMUNIZED:
  • People who frequently travel to or work in countries with high rates of infection should be vaccinated. These areas include countries in Africa, Asia (except Japan), the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and Southern America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. If you are traveling to these areas before you are fully immunized (less than 4 weeks after first immunization), you should receive a prophylactic does of immunoglobulin (IG). If you are just a short-term traveler to these areas, you may wish to only receive the immunoglobulin (IG) instead of the vaccine.
  • Children who live in areas with high rates of Hepatitis A. Native American communities are one such area with high rate of the disease.
  • Homosexual or bisexual men.
  • Illicit intravenous drug users.
  • People who work with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a laboratory or with primates that may be infected with the virus.
  • People who have chronic liver disease.
  • People who receive clotting factor concentrate to treat hemophilia or other clotting disorders.
  • Military personnel.
  • Employees of child day-care centers.
  • People who care for institutionalized patients.
WHO SHOULD NOT BE IMMUNIZED:
  • People who have had Hepatitis A in the past. Once you have recovered from the disease, you are immunized for life.
  • People who are allergic to the components of the medication.
  • Children under the age of 2 years old.
  • Pregnant or nursing mothers.
  • If you are sick or have a fever, you should delay receiving the vaccine until you are feeling better.
RISKS:
The Hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated. Complications are mild and rarely last longer than a day. The most common side effect of the vaccine is pain at the injection site. Other rare but possible side effects include: CALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:
  • You develop rash, itching, hives, or difficulty breathing after the injection.
  • Other symptoms develop after Hepatitis A immunization.
  • There are other questions or concerns about Hepatitis A immunization.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control for specific travel destination information.
Review Date: 12/5/2001
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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