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Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is indicated for active immunization against infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Forms:SC Injection

About Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine

Indications of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is indicated for active immunization against infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Established / Approved Uses

  • Routine immunization of children starting at 12 months of age, per national and international childhood immunization schedules.
  • Pre-exposure protection for adults and children ≥12 months of age who are at increased risk of HAV infection, including travelers to countries with high or intermediate endemicity of hepatitis A.
  • Individuals with chronic liver disease (including hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection), who are at higher risk of severe outcomes if infected with HAV.
  • Men who have sex with men, users of injection and non-injection drugs, and persons with occupational risk of exposure (e.g., laboratory workers handling HAV).
  • Persons with clotting-factor disorders and household/close contacts of international adoptees from HAV-endemic countries.

Guideline-Supported / Outbreak Use

  • Post-exposure prophylaxis in healthy persons 12 months-40 years of age recently exposed to HAV, ideally within 2 weeks of exposure.
  • Use during community hepatitis A outbreaks as directed by public health authorities.

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine does not provide protection against hepatitis caused by other agents (e.g., hepatitis B, C, E) and will not prevent disease in a person already incubating HAV infection at the time of vaccination.

Dosage & Administration of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine

Dosing of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is age-dependent and given as a 2-dose primary series administered by intramuscular (IM) injection, preferably into the deltoid muscle in adults and older children, or the anterolateral thigh in infants/young children. It must NOT be given intravenously, intradermally, or (except in bleeding-disorder patients) subcutaneously.

PopulationDoseSchedule
Children 12 months-18 years0.5 mL IM (pediatric formulation)2 doses; 2nd dose 6-12 months after the 1st dose
Adults ≥19 years1 mL IM (adult formulation)2 doses; 2nd dose 6-12 months after the 1st dose
Post-exposure prophylaxis (12 months-40 years)Age-appropriate dose as aboveSingle dose as soon as possible, ideally within 2 weeks of exposure

The two doses of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine should be from the same manufacturer/brand whenever possible; if the original product is unknown or unavailable, either brand may be used to complete the series. If the schedule is interrupted, the series does not need to be restarted - the second dose should be given as soon as feasible. Primary immunization should be completed at least 2 weeks before anticipated exposure (e.g., before travel) for optimal protection.

Side Effects of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is generally well tolerated. Because the vaccine virus is inactivated, it cannot cause hepatitis A infection.

Very Common / Common

  • Injection-site pain, soreness, redness, or swelling (the most common reaction)
  • Headache
  • Fatigue or malaise
  • Low-grade fever
  • In infants and young children: irritability, drowsiness, and temporary loss of appetite

Uncommon/Rare

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite)
  • Syncope (fainting), particularly in adolescents - observation for about 15 minutes after injection is advised
  • Rare hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis (see Contraindications)

Most side effects of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine are mild and resolve within 1-2 days without treatment.

Contraindications of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is contraindicated in:

  • Individuals with a history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any hepatitis A-containing vaccine.
  • Individuals with a known severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine, including neomycin or other trace excipients (formulation-dependent).

Frequently Asked Questions about Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine

What is Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine used for?

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is used to protect against infection with the hepatitis A virus. It is recommended for children from 12 months of age as part of routine immunization, for travelers to areas where hepatitis A is common, and for people at higher risk of exposure, such as those with chronic liver disease.

Can Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine give me hepatitis A?

No. Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine contains virus that has been killed (inactivated) with formaldehyde, so it cannot replicate or cause hepatitis A infection. It works by teaching your immune system to recognize and fight the virus if you are exposed in the future.

How many doses of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine are needed?

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine is given as a 2-dose series. The first dose provides protection within a few weeks, and the second dose, given 6-12 months later, provides long-term, likely lifelong, protection. It is important to complete both doses.

What are the common side effects of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine?

The most common side effects of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine are soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, tiredness, and mild fever. In young children, irritability and temporary loss of appetite may occur. These effects are usually mild and go away within a day or two.

Who should not receive Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine?

Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of any hepatitis A vaccine, or to any component of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine, such as neomycin. People with a moderate-to-severe acute illness should wait until they recover before being vaccinated.

Is Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine safe during pregnancy?

There are limited studies of Inactivated Hepatitis A vaccine in pregnant women. Because it contains inactivated (killed) virus, the theoretical risk is considered low, but it should only be given during pregnancy if clearly needed, such as high risk of exposure, and after consulting a physician.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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