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Hepatitis A adult vaccine

Generic name: hepatitis A adult vaccine [HEP-a-TIE-tis]

Brand names: Havrix, Vaqta, Havrix (HepA)
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (1440 units/mL; preservative-free; 50 units/mL).

Drug class: viral vaccines

What is Hepatitis A adult vaccine?

Hepatitis, a serious virus-borne disease, is caused by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver and nausea. It may also result in jaundice. Hepatitis may lead to cancer of the liver or cirrhosis.To prevent the disease, adults can use the hepatitis A vaccine.The vaccine works by exposing the body to a small dose of the virus. This causes it to develop immunity against the disease. This vaccine does not treat an infection that has already been developed.All adults traveling to certain parts of the world where hepatitis A can be a problem should get vaccinated against it.The hepatitis A vaccination may not protect everyone from the disease.

Side effects of Hepatitis A adult vaccine

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then a booster shot is not recommended.Keep a record of all side effects that you experience after receiving the vaccine. You will need to inform your doctor of any side effects you experience after receiving the first dose.

Hepatitis vaccines in adults may cause severe side effects. If you experience:

  • Extreme drowsiness or fainting.
  • A high fever is a sign of a high-risk infection.

Side effects of the adult hepatitis A vaccine include:

  • Headache
  • The area where the shot was administered may show swelling, tenderness, or redness.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.

Similar/related drugs

Twinrix, Havrix, Vaqta, and Hepatitis: A Pediatric Vaccine

Warnings

Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.

Before you take this drug

Hepatitis A vaccination will not protect you against hepatitis B, C, and E or any other virus that affects the liver. The vaccine may not work if you have hepatitis A, even if there are no symptoms.This vaccine should not be given if there has ever been a severe allergic reaction to any hepatitis A vaccine or if neomycin is an allergen.

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

  • Allergy to Latex Rubber
  • A weak immune system can be caused by disease or certain medicines.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

How to take Hepatitis A adult vaccine?

This vaccine is administered as an injection into a muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office.The hepatitis- A vaccine is administered as a single shot, followed by a booster six to 18 months after the first shot.You should get this vaccine two weeks prior to your travels in order to prevent hepatitis A. Your doctor will determine what the best schedule is for you.If you have a fever or pain, your doctor may prescribe an aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, Tylenol, Advil, and other pain relievers, for 24 hours after the shot. Use the amount of hepatitis A vaccine recommended by your doctor or on the label.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for hepatitis A prophylaxis:

Intramuscularly, 1 mL
-Administer a booster dose of 1 mL 6 to 18 months after the initial dose.
Comments:
-Administer the deltoid area

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are behind on your booster doses or have missed a scheduled dose, contact your doctor. The next dose should be administered as soon as you can. There is no need to start again.If you do not receive the full recommended dose of this vaccine, your protection against disease may be compromised.

What happens if I overdose?

It is very unlikely that this vaccine will cause an overdose.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about any other vaccines that you've recently received before receiving this vaccine.

Tell your doctor if any of the following drugs or treatments have weakened your immune system:

  • Steroid medicine;
  • Cancer treatment
  • Medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders
  • Medicines to treat or prevent transplant rejection

You may be unable to get the vaccine if you are taking any of these drugs, or you may have to wait until your other treatments are complete before you can receive it.This list is incomplete. Hepatitis A vaccination can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.