Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A.

Common brand names of this vaccine include:

• Avaxim
• Epaxal
• Havrix
• Hepatyrix
• Vaqta Paediatric
• ViATIM

Indications for Hepatitis A Vaccine

• Persons 2 years of age and older traveling to or working in countries with high or intermediate prevalence of hepatitis A, such as those located in Central or South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia (except Japan), Africa, and eastern Europe.
• Children and adolescents who live in states or communities where routine vaccination has been recommended.
• Men who have sex with men.
• Persons who use street drugs.
• Persons with chronic liver disease.
• Persons who are treated with clotting factor concentrates.
• Those traveling to an area where hepatitis A is common.

Administration
Anyone who moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should probably wait until they recover. Ask your doctor or nurse. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

Primary immunization for adults consists of single dose. Primary immunization for children (2 to 18 years of age) consists of 2 doses, given 1 month apart.

Side Effects
Getting hepatitis A vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.

Mild problems:

• Soreness where the shot was given; Minor symptoms can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid the use of aspirin in children to reduce the risk of Reye's syndrome.
• Headache (about 1 out of 6 adults and 1 out of 20 children)
• Loss of appetite (about 1 out of 12 children)
• Tiredness (about 1 out of 14 adults)

Serious problems:
Severe allergic reactions to hepatitis a vaccine are very rare. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Pale and sweaty
• Severe weakness
• Fast heart beat
• Dizziness