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Leading health authorities agree:
vaccinate
against hepatitis A
The ACIP,a AAP,b and
AAFPc recommend
universal
childhood hepatitis A vaccination6,7
aACIP=Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
bAAP=American Academy of Pediatrics.
cAAFP=American Academy of Family Physicians.
VAQTA is indicated for active immunization against disease
caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV) in persons 12 months of
age and older. Primary immunization should be given at least
2 weeks prior to expected exposure
to HAV.
The dosing regimen for VAQTA 0.5 mL (~25U) consists of 2
doses, the first given at 12 months to 18 years of age, and
a booster dose given 6 to 18 months afterward.
Select safety information
VAQTA is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to any component
of the vaccine. Hepatitis A vaccine should not be administered to persons with
a history of a severe reaction to a prior dose of hepatitis A vaccine or to
a vaccine component.
Individuals who develop symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity after an injection
of hepatitis A vaccine should not receive further injections of the vaccine.
In combined clinical trials involving healthy children 12 to 23 months of
age and children and adolescents 2 to 18 years of age, the most commonly reported
complaints (>2% of injections) in one or both of these groups were localized
injection-site reactions (pain/tenderness/soreness, warmth, erythema, swelling),
fever, diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, upper respiratory infection, rhinorrhea,
cough, rash, otitis media, and headache.
The total duration of the protective effect of VAQTA in healthy vaccinees
is unknown at present.
As with any vaccine, vaccination with VAQTA may not result in a protective
response in all susceptible vaccinees.
Before administering VAQTA, please read the Prescribing
Information.
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