Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (Injection)

Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (hep-a-TYE-tis A vak-seen, in-AK-ti-vay-ted)

Prevents infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.

Brand Name(s):

Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Havrix Pediatric w/Safetyglide, Vaqta Pediatric, Vaqta
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to hepatitis A vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will tell you how many shots you should have and when to get them. The shots will be given in a muscle in your upper arm.
• You will get a first dose of the vaccine and may get a second or third dose, depending on the schedule your doctor orders.
• Make sure you understand your dosing schedule and return to your doctor's office or clinic to receive your shots. It is important that you have all of the shots in the scheduled time period that your doctor orders.

If a dose is missed:

• Make another appointment as soon as possible. It is very important that you do not miss a dose.
• You may need to discuss your missed dose with your doctor.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using drugs to treat cancer, steroid medicines (such as cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, and others), tacrolimus (Prograf®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This vaccine is recommended for people at high risk of getting hepatitis A infections. This includes travelers to countries where there is a high risk of getting hepatitis A, men who have sex with men, those using street drugs injected with a needle, people with liver disease, day-care workers, military personnel, institutional workers, laboratory workers, or people who work with animals that may be infected with hepatitis A.
• Your first shot of the vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks before you may be exposed to hepatitis A virus. If you already have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus or if you need longer-term protection, you may receive an immune globulin shot when you get the hepatitis A vaccine.
• Talk with your doctor before you receive this vaccine if you have a fever, an immune system disorder (such as HIV) or a bleeding disorder.
• This vaccine protects you from infection from hepatitis A virus, but it does not treat hepatitis A infection or protect you from getting infections from other viruses, including other kinds of hepatitis.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before you get this vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, eyelids, or throat
• Severe skin rash or hives
• Seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, redness, warmth, or swelling where the shot was given
• Tiredness
• Low fever
• Headache
• Upset stomach, appetite loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.