Hepatitis A Vaccine is an antiviral drug which was approved for its medical use on May 25, 1995.

Hepatitis A Vaccine has been developed for the prevention of hepatitis A virus infection. Hepatitis A infection is due to a virus that attacks the liver. It may be caught from food or drink that contains the virus. Vaccines are used to protect you against infectious diseases. This vaccine helps to protect against hepatitis A infection in people 16 years of age and older.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. The specific dosage and number of injections required can vary depending on the individual's age and vaccination history. For infants, the vaccine is typically given in three doses, with the first dose administered at birth or shortly after that and the second and third doses given at 1-2 months and six months of age.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Hepatitis A Vaccine are headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach upset, fever, drowsiness and irritability.

Individuals with a known severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of this vaccine or any of its components should not receive the vaccine. It's important to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or previous adverse reactions before getting vaccinated. The Hepatitis A vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. No study suggests that the vaccine harms the developing fetus and does not contain a live virus, and the components are not known to be harmful to breastfeeding infants.

This vaccine is generally safe for immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV infection or other conditions that weaken the immune system. However, their immune response to the vaccine may be diminished, reducing protection. In such cases, a healthcare provider may consider additional doses or antibody testing to assess vaccine effectiveness. If you or your child are scheduled to receive multiple vaccines, it's always a good idea to discuss the vaccination plan with your healthcare provider.

Completing the full vaccine schedule of the Hepatitis A vaccine is important to ensure optimal protection. If you plan to travel to areas with a higher risk of Hepatitis A infection, you should receive the vaccine well in advance. Complete the vaccine schedule at least two weeks before your departure to allow sufficient time for the immune response to develop. 

Infected individuals who do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom can have HAV on their hands. If these infected individuals touch objects or surfaces without proper handwashing, the virus can be transferred to those objects. Therefore, these activities should be avoided. Additionally, practicing proper food hygiene and sanitation measures is important in preventing the transmission of HAV through contaminated food and water. 

1. SmithKline Beecham Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1158.pdf (Accessed 12 May 2023).
2. Hepatitis A Vaccine, Package leaflet. Information for the user - HPRA, Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/vaccines/PIL_PA0544029001.pdf (Accessed 12 May 2023).
3. HAVRIX, Package insert. Current as of October 2019. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/119388/download (Accessed 12 May 2023).
4. Nelson NP, Weng MK, Hofmeister MG, et al. Prevention of hepatitis A infection in the United States: Recommendations of the ACIP. MMWR 2020;69(5);1-42. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/rr/pdfs/rr6905a1-H.pdf (Accessed 12 May 2023).
5. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants and Immunostimulants, 12th edition, 2011, 1023.
6. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Miscellaneous drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 924, 926.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.