Indication

Active immunization against Hepatitis A virus. \r\nHepatitis A vaccine is used to prevent, hepatitis A

Administration

Hepatitis A vaccine should be given intramuscularly only.

Adult Dose

Intramuscular\r\nActive immunisation against hepatitis A\r\nAdult: \r\nFirst dose: At selected date \r\nSecond dose: 6 months after first dose\r\n\r\n

Child Dose

Intramuscular\r\nActive immunisation against hepatitis A\r\nChildren of 1 year of age \r\nFirst dose: At selected date \r\nSecond dose: 6 months after first dose\r\n\r\nChildren 12 months to 15 years: The recommended dose is 0.5 ml\r\nFirst dose: At selected date \r\nSecond dose: 6 months after first dose\r\n\r\nChildren 16 years and above: The recommended dose is 1 ml\r\nFirst dose: At elected date \r\nSecond dose: 6 months after first dose

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity. Vaccines prepared in egg cultures are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to egg. Severe immunodeficiency. Malignant disease being treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and for at least 6 mth after stopping treatment. Patients with compromised immune system such as those on high-dose systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or HIV positive.

Mode of Action

Hepatitis A antigen is prepared from formaldehyde-inactivated hepatitis A virus grown in human diploid cells. It is used for active immunisation against hepatitis A infection.

Precaution

Alcohol or disinfectant used for cleaning the skin prior to inj should be allowed to evaporate completely before vaccination to prevent vaccine inactivation.\r\nThe vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.\r\n\r\nLactation: not established

Side Effect

>10%\r\nInjection site tenderness (3-56%), erythema (1-22%), warmth (1-17%), swelling (9-11%),Irritability (11-36%),Anorexia (1-19%),Drowsiness (15-17%),Headache (1-16%),Fever > 100.4 F (9-11%)\r\n\r\n1-10%\r\nURI (1-10%),Otitis media (8%),Rhinorrhea (6%),Diarrhea (1-6%),Cough (1-5%),Rash (1-5%),Weakness/fatigue (4%),Vomiting (1-4%),Fever > 102 F (3%),Crying (2%)\r\n\r\n<1%\r\nHematoma,Incr. CPK,Photophobia,Vertigo\r\n\r\nPotentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis.

Interaction

Reduced response to vaccination when used concurrently with immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or antineoplastics.