What is this medication for?
Hepatitis A vaccine is used to prevent infection by
hepatitis A for people who are 12
months of age or older and are at an increased risk for infection or wish to be
protected against infection. The vaccine contains inactivated
hepatitis A virus that is not capable of causing disease, but instead
stimulates your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against
the disease. The vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks before possible
exposure to hepatitis A.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
A qualified health professional will inject the hepatitis
A vaccine.
For adults, one adult dose (1.0 mL or 50 U) is injected into
a muscle (preferably in the outer upper arm) with a repeat ("booster")
dose 6 to 18 months later. For children 12 months through 18 years of age, a
single pediatric dose (0.5 mL or 25 U) is injected into a muscle (preferably
the outer upper arm) with a booster dose 6 to 18 months later.
Store this vaccine in the refrigerator and keep it out of
the reach of children. It must not freeze or it will have to be discarded.
Many things can affect the dose of
medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions,
and other medications. Other dosing schedules are sometimes used.
It is very important to keep doctor appointments so that
this medication may be used according to recommended schedules. If you miss a
scheduled dose, it may affect how well this vaccine works.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Hepatitis A vaccine should not be used by anyone who:
- is
allergic to hepatitis A vaccine or any ingredients of the medication
- has
had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of hepatitis A vaccine or
to a component of the vaccine