What is the Hepatitis A pediatric vaccine?
Hepatitis, a serious virus-borne disease, is caused by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver and jaundice. Hepatitis may lead to cancer of the liver or cirrhosis.To prevent the disease, children can be immunized with the hepatitis A vaccine.This vaccine is effective by exposing the child to a tiny amount of virus. The body then develops immunity against the disease. This vaccine does not treat infections that have already been present in the body.All children older than 12 months are recommended to receive the hepatitis A vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for children traveling to areas where hepatitis A can be a problem.The hepatitis A vaccine for children may not protect everyone from the disease.
Side effects of Hepatitis A pediatric vaccine
If your child shows any of the following signs of an allergy: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and/or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.If your child had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, a booster shot is not recommended.Keep track of all side effects that your child experiences after receiving the vaccine. You will need to inform the doctor of any side effects that occur after the first shot.
If your child is suffering from:
- Extreme drowsiness or fainting.
- The act of crying or fussing for more than an hour
- A seizure;
- A high fever is a sign of a high-risk infection.
Side effects of the hepatitis A vaccine for children may include:
- Fever;
- Irritability, drowsiness;
- Loss of appetite
- 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.
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 your child has hepatitis A, even if they don't show symptoms.This vaccine should not be given to your child if they have ever experienced a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine that contains hepatitis A or neomycin.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Allergy to Latex Rubber
- A weak immune system can be caused by certain diseases or medicines.
Hepatitis A vaccine for children is not recommended for anyone under 12 months of age.
How to take Hepatitis A pediatric vaccine?
This vaccine is administered as a shot (injection) into the muscle. This injection will be given to your child in a clinic or doctor's office.Your child will be given a dose of the hepatitis-A pediatric vaccine, followed by a booster 6 to 18 months later.The booster schedule for your child may differ from the guidelines. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or the schedule suggested by your local health department.The child should be vaccinated at least two weeks prior to the trip. Your doctor will decide the best schedule for you.When the shot is administered and for the following 24 hours, your child's doctor might recommend that you treat fever and pain using an aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Use the dosage recommended by the label or your doctor.
Details on dosage
The usual pediatric dose for hepatitis-A prophylaxis
1 year old and older: 0.5 mL intramuscularly
-Administer a booster dose of 0.5 mL 6–18 months after the initial dose.
Comments:
apply to the deltoid area in children older than 2 years.
Apply it to the anterior aspect of the thigh for younger children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your child is going to miss a booster or falls behind in their schedule, contact your doctor. The next dose should be administered as soon as possible. There is no need to start again.If you do not give your child all the recommended doses, they may not be protected from disease.
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 the doctor about any other vaccines that your child may have received recently before receiving this vaccine.Tell your doctor if your child has recently received any drugs or treatments that can weaken their immune system.
- Steroid medicine;
- Cancer treatment
- Medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders
- Medicines to treat or prevent transplant rejection
Your child may be unable to receive the vaccination if he or she is taking any of these medicines, or they may have to wait until their other treatments are complete.This list is incomplete. Hepatitis A vaccines can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. This list does not cover all possible drug interactions.
