Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated injection
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What is hepatitis A vaccine?
HEPATITIS A VACCINE, INACTIVATED (Havrix®, VAQTA®) protects against an infection with the hepatitis A virus. This virus can affect the liver and is common in countries where there is poor sanitation and low standards of hygiene. Hepatitis A is passed by personal contact; through drinking infected water; eating infected food (especially raw or undercooked seafood); by the reuse of injection needles; and through high-risk sexual activity (especially homosexually active males). Immunization is recommended for persons living in, or traveling to, a high risk area for hepatitis A infection; military personnel; native peoples of Alaska and the Americas; users of illegal drugs; people engaging in high risk sexual activity; and certain workers in institutions. A single dose of hepatitis A vaccine will give protection. A booster dose 6 to 12 months after the initial dose will give extra protection. Generic hepatitis A vaccine is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy)
• blood disease or bleeding disorder
• fever or infection
• heart disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, albumin, latex, neomycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Hepatitis A vaccine is only for injection into a muscle. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital, clinic, or prescriber's office.
The use of this vaccine must be officially recorded. Federal law requires that the manufacturer's name and lot number; the name, address, and phone number of the person giving the vaccine; and the date of administration be recorded in the patient's permanent medical record.
Your health care professional will give you an informational paper on the hepatitis A vaccine at the time of the vaccination. Be sure to read this information.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. If you need a booster dose, you should have it 6 to 18 months after the first dose.What drug(s) may interact with hepatitis A vaccine?
• immune globulins
• chemotherapy (drugs to treat cancer)
• medicines that suppress your immune function (examples: adalimumab, anakinra, corticosteroids, etanercept, infliximab)
Hepatitis A vaccine may or may not be administered at the same time as other common vaccines. In some cases more than one type of vaccine may be given to you at the same time but at different sites on the body. Ask your health care provider if you have questions regarding your vaccination schedules.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking hepatitis A vaccine?
You will not have protection from the hepatitis A virus for at least 8 to 10 days after your first injection with the vaccine. If you will have a booster shot, remember to return to your prescriber or health care professional for another injection 6 to 18 months after the first. The length of time you will have immunity against hepatitis A virus infection is not known. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you are uncertain about your immunity or if you are traveling abroad to a new location.
You should review the current Centers for Disease Control guidelines for hepatitis A immunization if you are traveling to an area of high risk. You can ask your health care professional about these guidelines. Ask advice from your prescriber or health care professional about how to avoid contact with infected food or water.
What side effects may I notice from receiving hepatitis A vaccine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• skin rash, hives
• swelling of the face or eyes
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• fever
• headache
• loss of appetite
• loss of energy
• nausea
• pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site
• tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
This vaccine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
