hepatitis A pediatric vaccine Health Article

Generic name(s):

hepatitis A pediatric vaccine

Brand name(s):

Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta Pediatric

What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?

Hepatitis A pediatric vaccine will not protect your child against infection with hepatitis B, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect a child from hepatitis A if the child is already infected with the virus, even if the child does not yet show symptoms.

The hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is given in a series of 2 shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is between 12 and 23 months old. The booster shot is then given 6 months later. Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Vaccination with hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is recommended for all children between the ages of 12 months and 23 months, and in children who travel in certain areas of the world where hepatitis A is a common disease.

Other risk factors for hepatitis in children include: receiving treatment for hemophilia or other bleeding disorders, or being in an area where there has been an outbreak of hepatitis A.

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine. If your child does not receive the full series of vaccines, he or she may not be fully protected against the disease.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Your child should not receive a booster vaccine if he or she had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When the child receives a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with hepatitis A is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

What is hepatitis A pediatric vaccine?

Hepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis A is spread through contact with the stool (bowel movements) of a person infected with the hepatitis A virus. This usually occurs by eating food or drinking water that has become contaminated as a result of handling by an infected person.

Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

The hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in children. The vaccine works by exposing your child to a small amount of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Vaccination with hepatitis A pediatric vaccine is recommended for all children between the ages of 12 months and 23 months, and in children and adults who travel in certain areas of the world where hepatitis A is a common disease.

Other risk factors for hepatitis in children include: receiving treatment for hemophilia or other bleeding disorders, or being in an area where there has been an outbreak of hepatitis A.

Like any vaccine, the hepatitis A pediatric vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.