MedlinePlus Drug Information: Hepatitis A Vaccine

Skip navigation


Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Hepatitis A Vaccine

(hep' uh tite tus)

Brand name(s): Havrix; Vaqta

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Hepatitis A vaccine provides immunity against the virus causing hepatitis A. However, this vaccine will not provide protection against any other form of viral hepatitis (B, C, D, or E). This vaccine may be given to persons at risk for getting hepatitis A.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Your doctor or health care provider will administer the hepatitis A vaccine. It is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly). Your doctor decides your dose and tells you how often to have the vaccine administered.

Persons older than 18 years of age usually get only one dose at first and then another booster dose in 6-12 months. Children and adolescents 2-18 years of age may receive either one dose or two doses 1 month apart, followed by a booster dose in 6-18 months. Persons with suppressed immune systems may require more doses of vaccine than a healthy person.

Persons who may receive the vaccine include those traveling to or living in areas with a high risk of exposure to hepatitis A, military personnel, persons considered at risk for exposure to hepatitis A virus due to their lifestyles, and persons with a high risk of exposure to hepatitis A at work (such as child care staff, laboratory and medical personnel, and animal handlers).

Immunization with the vaccine should be completed at least 2 weeks before travel to any hepatitis A high-risk area.

Persons exposed to hepatitis A virus may receive the vaccine following their exposure.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving the hepatitis A vaccine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hepatitis A vaccine, any other vaccine, or any drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cancer chemotherapy agents, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have a fever or have ever had an immune disorder or a bleeding or blood disorder (hemophilia or low platelet counts).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant before the time you are scheduled to have a vaccine dose, call your doctor immediately.

Although side effects from hepatitis A vaccine are not common, they can occur. Tell you doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

pain where the vaccine was given
tenderness
fever
headache
upset stomach
vomiting

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

severe skin rash
difficulty breathing or swallowing
wheezing
seizures

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer