Uses of undefined

Hepatitis A Vaccine has been developed for the prevention of hepatitis A virus infection. Hepatitis A infection is due to a virus that attacks the liver. It may be caught from food or drink that contains the virus. Vaccines are used to protect you against infectious diseases. This vaccine helps to protect against hepatitis A infection in people 16 years of age and older.

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The Hepatitis A vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. The specific dosage and number of injections required can vary depending on the individual's age and vaccination history. For infants, the vaccine is typically given in three doses, with the first dose administered at birth or shortly after that and the second and third doses given at 1-2 months and six months of age.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Individuals with a known severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of this vaccine or any of its components should not receive the vaccine. It's important to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or previous adverse reactions before getting vaccinated. The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. No study suggests that the vaccine harms the developing fetus and does not contain a live virus, and the components are not known to be harmful to breastfeeding infants.

Precautions

This vaccine is generally safe for immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV infection or other conditions that weaken the immune system. However, their immune response to the vaccine may be diminished, reducing protection. In such cases, a healthcare provider may consider additional doses or antibody testing to assess vaccine effectiveness. If you or your child are scheduled to receive multiple vaccines, it's always a good idea to discuss the vaccination plan with your healthcare provider.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Hepatitis A Vaccine are headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach upset, fever, drowsiness and irritability.

Word Of Advice

Completing the full vaccine schedule of the Hepatitis A vaccine is important to ensure optimal protection. If you plan to travel to areas with a higher risk of Hepatitis A infection, you should receive the vaccine well in advance. Complete the vaccine schedule at least two weeks before your departure to allow sufficient time for the immune response to develop. 

Infected individuals who do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom can have HAV on their hands. If these infected individuals touch objects or surfaces without proper handwashing, the virus can be transferred to those objects. Therefore, these activities should be avoided. Additionally, practicing proper food hygiene and sanitation measures is important in preventing the transmission of HAV through contaminated food and water. 

Frequently Asked Question

• What kind of vaccine is the hepatitis A vaccine?
• The Hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated (killed) virus vaccine.

• How is the hepatitis A vaccine administered?
• Hepatitis A vaccine can be administered into the upper arm for adults and older children. It can be administered in the thigh muscle of toddlers for younger children.

• Whether two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine are recommended?
• Yes. Two doses are recommended. The second dose is given by six months after the first dose.

• Can I receive a hepatitis A vaccine when I am pregnant?
• Yes. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman at risk of hepatitis A infection or risk of a severe outcome of hepatitis A infection during pregnancy should be vaccinated.

• What are the common side effects which have been reported with Hepatitis A Vaccine?
• The common side effect of Hepatitis A Vaccine is a sore arm, which happens to one out of two adults and one out of five children. Less common side effects include headache, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, or tiredness.

• Can the hepatitis A vaccine be given after exposure to the hepatitis A virus?
• Yes. Individuals who recently have been exposed to hepatitis A and who previously have not had this vaccine should be given a single dose of hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible, within two weeks of exposure.

• What should I avoid while taking Hepatitis A Vaccines?
• Avoid receiving multiple vaccines. It's necessary to inform your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you have recently received or are scheduled to receive so they can plan the vaccination schedule accordingly.

• Can hepatitis A turn into hepatitis B or C?
• No, hepatitis A is caused by a different virus from the viruses that cause hepatitis B or C. Also, the hepatitis A virus does not turn into the other hepatitis viruses.