Hepatitis A Vaccines

Hepatitis A vaccine is a vaccine against the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the HAV or hepatitis A virus. This virus if found in the stool of people with hepatitis A. The symptoms of hepatitis A are like mild fever, jaundice, diarrhea, stomach ache, joint pain, vomiting, dark urine etc. This disease is usually caused by eating food or drinking water containing H.A.V or by close personal contact. A person who has hepatitis A can easily pass the disease to others within the same household. As such there is the requirement of Hepatitis A Vaccine which can prevent the disease.

Brand Names of Hepatitis A Vaccines

• HAVRIX, GlaxoSmithKline
• VAQTA, Merck
• TWINRIX

HAV Vaccine

As recommended by the FDA of the United States, HAV vaccines contain inactivated HAV. HAVRIX and VAQTA, the single-antigen vaccines, are each licensed as two formulations and the dosages depend on the age of the person being immunized. TWINRIX is the combination vaccine which contains both HAV and HBV antigens and is licensed only for persons aged 18 years or older.

Doses

Two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine should be given for lasting protection. These doses should be given at least 6 months apart.

Who Should Get Hepatitis A Vaccine?

• All children over one year of age.
• Persons traveling abroad or working in countries having incidences of hepatitis A virus like South or Central America, Mexico, Africa, Asia , Eastern Europe etc.
• Persons, including children and adolescents who live in area where routine vaccination has been recommended.
• Men who have sex with men.
• People who use street drugs.
• Chronic liver disease patients.
• Persons who work with H.A.V. infected patients or who work with H.A.V. in laboratories.

When Should Hepatitis A Vaccination Start?

The hepatitis A vaccination should be started whenever a person is at risk of infection. Like for example, people who are traveling, the vaccination process should be started at least one month before traveling. This vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Not Recommended For

• Not licensed for children younger than 1 year of age.
• People who had severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine.
• Persons having allergic reaction to any vaccine component.
• Should not be given to persons who are moderately or severely sick at the time the shot is scheduled. Pregnant women.

Disclaimer:The above information is for general understanding of the visitor. Please consult a registered medical practitioner before taking the aforesaid medicine.