How does it work?

This vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis A virus. It works by stimulating the body's immune response, without causing the disease. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. As the organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody, a different vaccine must be used for each disease. The hepatitis A vaccine provides immunity against infection with the hepatitis A virus. This vaccine is not given routinely. It is only given to people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis A, such as travellers to high risk areas, healthcare workers, close contacts of people with hepatitis A and intravenous drug abusers. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime, while others have to be updated after a few years. A second dose of this vaccine is required after 6-12 months to provide immunity for approximately 10 years. 'Booster' injections are needed approximately every 10 years to provide continued immunity.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against hepatitis A

Warning!

Individuals who have a suppressed immune system, for example due to disease such as HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine and additional doses may be required.

Individuals with kidney failure who are receiving haemodialysis may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine. Additional doses of vaccine may be required.

Each brand of this vaccine is licensed for use in a specific age group and should not be given to people outside this age range. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Use with caution in

Liver disease

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Sudden feverish illness

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Nasal congestion

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Back pain

Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Soreness at injection site

Redness around injection site

Hardening of skin around injection site

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Upper airway infections

Disorders of the menstrual cycle

Headache

Loss of appetite

Fever (pyrexia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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