Hepatitis A Vaccine (HAV Antigen)

Introduction: Hepatitis A Vaccine is used for active immunization against Hepatitis A virus infection. It is prepared from formaldehyde-inactivated hepatitis A virus grown in human diploid cells.

How it works: 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.

Important Information: Recommended for children 12 months and older. 2-dose series: 0.5 mL (12-23 months) or 1 mL (adults) IM; separated by 6-12 months.

• Active immunisation against Hepatitis A virus

Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

Inactivated Vaccine

The hepatitis A virus belongs to the picornavirus family. It is one of several hepatitis viruses that cause systemic disease with pathology in the liver. The incubation period for hepatitis A averages 28 days (range: 15 to 50 days). The course of hepatitis A infection is extremely variable, ranging from asymptomatic infection to icteric hepatitis and death. The presence of antibodies to HAV confers protection against hepatitis A infection.

Hepatitis A antigen is prepared from formaldehyde-inactivated hepatitis A virus grown in human diploid cells, which induces antibody production and provides protection against hepatitis A infection.

Adult Dose (IM):

• 2-dose vaccination series: 1 mL IM
• Separate the 2 doses by 6-12 months

Child Dose (IM):

• 12-23 months: 0.5 mL IM
• 2 doses separated by 6-12 months
• If child received 1 dose before 24 months, second dose should be given 6-12 months later

* Use as directed by the registered physician

Intramuscular (IM) injection - in the deltoid region in adults and children, anterolateral thigh in children under 1 year. Do not administer in gluteal region or subcutaneously/intradermally.

If you miss a dose, take the next dose according to the schedule. Consult your doctor.

Common Side Effects (>10%):

• Injection 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%)

1-10%: URI, Otitis media, Rhinorrhea, Diarrhea, Cough, Rash, Weakness/fatigue, Vomiting

Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis

Precautions:

• Alcohol or disinfectant used for cleaning the skin should be allowed to evaporate completely before vaccination (to prevent vaccine inactivation)
• Vaccine should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed
• Remain under medical supervision for 30 minutes after vaccination
• Adrenaline and other first aid medicines should be prepared

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity
• Vaccines prepared in egg cultures - hypersensitivity reactions to egg
• Severe immunodeficiency
• Malignant disease being treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and for at least 6 months after stopping treatment
• Patients on high-dose systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or HIV positive

Drug Interactions:

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

Food Interactions: No interaction found/established.

Use in Pregnancy: Vaccine should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.

Use in Lactation: Use with caution in lactating women.

Pediatric Use: Dosage available for children 12 months and older. Not indicated as routine vaccination for children under 12 months.

Geriatric Use: Use as per doctor's advice for elderly patients.

Renal & Hepatic Impairment: No known restrictions.

Overdose: Limited information available on overdose. Employ usual supportive measures.

Storage: Store and transport at 2°C-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Hepatitis A Vaccine