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Brand Names: Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric

Generic Name: hepatitis A vaccine (Pronunciation: hep a TI tis A vack seen)

• What is hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• What are the possible side effects of hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• How is hepatitis A vaccine administered (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• What happens if I overdose (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• What should I avoid before or after getting hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• What other drugs will affect hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?

Hepatitis A is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the stool of persons with hepatitis A. HAV can be spread through close personal contact, by drinking contaminated water or by eating contaminated food. HAV can also be spread by having unprotected sex with an infected person, by sharing needles when injecting drugs or by being stuck with a used needle on the job. Hepatitis A vaccine exposes the individual to a small amount of the virus (or to a protein from the virus) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.

Hepatitis A infection can cause a "flu-like" illness that leads to loss of appetite; diarrhea and vomiting; tiredness; jaundice (yellow skin or eyes); or pain in the muscles, joints, and stomach.

Vaccination with hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for persons 2 years of age and older traveling or working in areas with high rates of hepatitis A infection. These areas include Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia (except Japan), Africa, southern or eastern Europe, and others. Primary immunization should be completed at least 2 weeks prior to expected exposure to HAV.

What are the possible side effects of hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?

Getting hepatitis A disease is much riskier than getting hepatitis A vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of hepatitis A vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if any of the following rare but serious side effects from hepatitis A vaccine are experienced:

• a serious allergic reaction including swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; hives; paleness; weakness; dizziness; or a fast heart beat within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot;
• high fever; or
• behavior changes.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• mild to moderate fever;
• loss of appetite;
• fatigue;
• headache; or
• soreness where the shot was given, lasting a day or two.

Your doctor may recommend reducing fever and pain by taking an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Your healthcare provider can tell you the appropriate dosages of these medications..

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Contact your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric)?

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. Those who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting hepatitis A vaccine.