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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine (Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta Pediatric)?

Hepatitis A pediatric vaccine will not protect your child against infection with hepatitis B, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect against hepatitis A if the child is already infected with the virus, even if he or she does not yet show symptoms.

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing hepatitis A, or if the child has received cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment in the past 3 months.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor if your child has:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising;
• a history of seizures;
• a neurologic disorder or disease affecting the brain;
• an allergy to latex rubber;
• a weak immune system caused by disease, bone marrow transplant, or by using certain medicines or receiving cancer treatments; or
• if the child is taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

How is this vaccine given (Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta Pediatric)?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. Your child will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

The hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is given in a series of 2 shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is between 12 and 23 months old. The booster shot is then given 6 months later. Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

To prevent hepatitis A while traveling, the child should receive this vaccine at least 2 weeks before the trip. Your child's doctor will determine the best dosing schedule for your situation.

Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medicine to give your child.

It is especially important to prevent fever from occurring in a child who has a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

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