Hepatitis A pediatric vaccine
Generic name: hepatitis A pediatric vaccine [ HEP-a-TYE-tis ]
Brand names: Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta Pediatric
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (25 units/0.5 mL; 720 units/0.5 mL; 720 units/0.5 mL preservative free)
Drug class:Viral vaccines
What is hepatitis A pediatric vaccine?
Hepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.
The hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in children.
This vaccine works by exposing your child to a small amount of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Vaccination with hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is recommended for all children who are 12 months of age or older. This vaccine is also recommended in children who travel to certain areas of the world where hepatitis A is a common disease.
Like any vaccine, the hepatitis A pediatric vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
Hepatitis A vaccine will not protect against infection with hepatitis B, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect against hepatitis A if your child is already infected with the virus, even without showing 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 is allergic to neomycin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an allergy to latex rubber; or
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine.
Hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 months old.
How is this vaccine given?
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.
Your child will receive a shot of the hepatitis A pediatric vaccine and then a booster shot 6 to 18 months later.
Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.
To prevent hepatitis A w...
