Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine
About Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine
Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine is a prescription vaccine that helps protect against infection caused by the targeted disease by preparing your immune system to recognise and fight the harmful virus or bacteria. It helps reduce the risk of serious illness and its complications but does not treat an existing infection.
Typically, Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine is given in two separate doses spaced several months apart to provide maximum protection. Since it is an injection, you do not need to worry about food restrictions before your appointment. Pair your vaccination with good hygiene practices, like washing hands thoroughly, to stay safe while your immunity builds.
Most people experience only mild side effects from Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine, such as temporary soreness or redness where the shot was given. While serious reactions are extremely rare, you should seek immediate medical help if you experience breathing difficulties or severe swelling.
Do not receive this vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, a weakened immune system, or a moderate or severe illness with a high fever before vaccination. Some vaccine brands may contain latex in the vial stopper or syringe; inform your doctor if you have a severe latex allergy.
Certain medicines that weaken your immune system can make Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine less effective, so consult your doctor if you take immunosuppressants. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure this injection is appropriate for you.
Uses of Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine
Medicinal Benefits
Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine helps protect against hepatitis A infection and reduces the risk of serious liver complications. Key benefits include:
- Provides long-lasting protection: Helps your immune system build lasting protection against hepatitis A after you complete the recommended vaccination schedule.
- Supports safe travel and daily activities: Reduces your risk of infection while travelling to high-risk areas, allowing you to travel and carry out daily activities with greater confidence.
- Protects liver health: Helps prevent additional liver damage in people with pre-existing liver conditions by reducing the risk of hepatitis A infection.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosing schedule.
- Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine will be administered by the doctor or healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild headache
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Mild nausea or loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness or fainting shortly after receiving the injection
- A very high fever that does not come down
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the vial before use: Before the injection is given, ensure the liquid is not discoloured and does not contain unusual floating particles.
- Confirm correct injection placement: The vaccine must be injected into the muscle (usually the deltoid) and never into a vein or under the skin.
- Remain seated after the shot: Sit or lie down for at least 15 minutes after receiving the injection to prevent injury from sudden dizziness or fainting.
- Keep a vaccination record: Document the exact date you received Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine so you can ensure your booster dose is given at the correct time for complete immunity.
- Complete the full vaccination schedule: Protection improves after the second dose, so make sure you receive your booster even if you feel well after the first dose.
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressive medicines: Chemotherapy, high-dose corticosteroids, medicines used after organ transplantation, or certain biologic medicines may reduce your body's immune response, making the vaccine less effective. Your doctor may recommend vaccination at a different time if possible.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine may not interact with alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionPregnant women who are at risk of infection or severe outcomes from infection during pregnancy can be vaccinated with Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine. Consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedInactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine is generally safe to be used in breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
safe if prescribedInactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedInactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine can be used in patients with liver diseases when clinically needed.
Kidney
safe if prescribedInactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine can be safely used in patients with kidney diseases if clinical needed.
Children
safe if prescribedInactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine is safe to be used in children when prescribed. Consult a child specialist for further advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat clean, cooked food: Even after receiving Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine, practice safe eating habits when traveling, such as avoiding raw seafood, raw vegetables, and unpeeled fruits to prevent other foodborne illnesses.
- Drink purified water: Avoid ice cubes and untreated tap water in areas with poor sanitation while your immune system is still building protection after your first dose.
- Practice strict hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food to minimise the risk of viral transmission.
- Support your immune system: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, stay hydrated, and get adequate rest around your vaccination dates to help your body build a strong antibody response.
Special Advise
Inform your doctor if you have blood tests after taking Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine, as this medicine may alter the results of the blood test.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is preventable through effective vaccination. It spreads through contaminated food or water and contact with infected people. Symptoms of this condition include abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin, clay-coloured stool, and fever. Adequate rest and hydration can aid in a quick recovery.
FAQs
Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine belongs to the class of medication called 'biologics vaccines' or 'immunising agents' used to prevent hepatitis A infection. It is given before exposure to the hepatitis A virus or shortly after (within two weeks).
Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine contains Hepatitis A antigen virus (Inactivated). It aids in the development of immunity by producing antibodies, which are proteins that protect against infection induced by viruses in the vaccine. For long-term protection, a booster dose must be taken at the discretion of the doctor.
Taking live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines within 3 months of taking Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine is not recommended. Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine may alter the action of these vaccines, making them less effective.
The hepatitis A vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and provides long-term protection against the virus. On the other hand, hepatitis A immunoglobulin contains antibodies that act against HAV and is given when immediate protection against the virus is needed.
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are three different viruses that cause severe liver infection. Though each virus of hepatitis can cause similar symptoms, they are spread in different ways and can affect the liver differently. Hepatitis A causes short-term infection. While Hepatitis B and C can begin with short-term infections, in some cases, can cause chronic or lifelong infections. There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but no vaccine is available for hepatitis C.
Inactivated vaccinations are another type of vaccine in which the virus is inactivated during manufacturing.
Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine should be stored in a refrigerator (between +2°C and +8°C). Do not freeze; destroy the Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine if it has been frozen.
If you have a mild cold or a low fever, you can usually still receive Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine. However, if you have a moderate or severe illness with a high fever, it is best to wait until you recover. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before getting the injection.
The safety of Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine in pregnant women has not been fully studied. However, because it contains an inactive virus, the risk to the developing baby is considered very low. It may be recommended if you are at high risk of exposure. Talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.
There is no direct interaction between alcohol and Inactivated Hepatitis A Vaccine. However, excessive drinking can temporarily weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to build a strong response to the vaccine. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
Mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site is very common and usually goes away within a couple of days. Applying a cold compress to the area can help ease the discomfort. If the pain worsens or lasts longer than a few days, talk to your doctor.
The vaccine is commonly recommended for children from 12 months of age (according to local immunization recommendations), travellers visiting areas where hepatitis A is common, people with chronic liver disease, certain healthcare and laboratory workers, and anyone at increased risk of infection. Your doctor can advise whether this vaccine is appropriate for you.
Yes. Combination vaccines that protect against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are available and may be suitable for some people, especially travellers or those at increased occupational risk. Your doctor can help decide whether a combination vaccine is appropriate for you.
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