Generic name:
Hepatitis a vaccine - injection
Pronunciation
(hep-uh-TIE-tuss A)
Brand name(s)
Havrix , Vaqta
Generic name:
Hepatitis a vaccine - injection
Pronunciation
(hep-uh-TIE-tuss A)
Brand name(s)
Havrix , Vaqta
This vaccine is used to help prevent hepatitis A. Hepatitis A infection can be mild with no symptoms or a severe illness that can rarely cause liver failure and death. Vaccination is the best way to protect against this infection. This vaccine works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the virus.
The vaccine is recommended for people aged 12 months and older, especially those at an increased risk of getting the infection. Those at an increased risk include people who live with or spend much time with people with hepatitis A infections, institutional or daycare workers, lab workers, people with multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, sex workers, injecting and non-injecting drug abusers, and people traveling to high-risk areas.
Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.
Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.
This vaccine is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is given in the upper arm for children and adults and in the thigh for infants.
Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, fever, tiredness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional promptly.
Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.
Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.
Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.
Before you receive this vaccine, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as neomycin, formalin, latex in some vials/prefilled syringes), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.
Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of:
During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.
It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this vaccine are:
Not applicable.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as hepatitis A antibody levels) may be done while you are using this vaccine. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your health care professional for more details.
Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.
It is important that you get each vaccination as scheduled. Ask when you should get each dose and mark your calendar with a reminder. If you miss a dose, call the health care professional to reschedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised January 2025.
Copyright(c) 2025 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.