Products
Hepatitis A vaccine is commercially available as an injection suspension (Havrix). It has been licensed in many countries since 1993. A fixed combination with hepatitis B vaccine is also available (Twinrix).
Structure and properties
Hepatitis A vaccine is either hepatitis A virus inactivated with formaldehyde or a liposomal preparation of hepatitis A virus antigen.
Effects
The vaccine (ATC J07BC02) confers immunity to hepatitis A virus infection. It reliably elicits the formation of specific antibodies.
Indications
For active immunization against hepatitis A virus infection in exposed individuals according to current regulatory recommendations.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The injection suspension is administered intramuscularly.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Acute severe febrile illness
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Concurrent administration of other vaccines should be done with different syringes and at different injection sites.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include headache, irritability, pain and redness at the injection site, and fatigue. Other common side effects include lack of appetite, drowsiness, swelling, malaise, fever, and digestive problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Severe side effects are considered very rare.
