Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (hep-a-TYE-tis A VAX-een, in-AK-ti-vay-ted)
Prevents infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta Pediatric, Vaqta
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of hepatitis A vaccine, or if you are allergic to neomycin.
How to Use This Medicine
- Your doctor will tell you how many shots you should have and when to get them. The shots will be given in a muscle in your upper arm.
- You will receive a first dose of the vaccine and may get a second (booster) dose 6 to 12 months later.
- Make sure you understand your dosing schedule and return to your doctor's office or clinic to receive your shots. It is important that you have all of the shots in the scheduled time that your doctor orders.
If a dose is missed:
- This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or health caregiver for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment. Some examples of steroids are dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, and Medrol®.
Warnings While Using This Medicine
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a bleeding disorder or problems with your immune system. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to latex.
- 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 protects you from infection from the hepatitis A virus, but it does not treat hepatitis A. This vaccine does not protect you from getting infections from other viruses, including other kinds of hepatitis.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine
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.
- Fever (99.5 degrees F or higher).
- Severe skin rash.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Mild redness, swelling, pain, bruising, or itching where the shot was given.
- Unusual tiredness.
- Upset stomach, or loss of appetite.
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
Review Date: 2011-02-04