Hepatitis A Vaccine (Inactivated)
Pronunciation: (hep-ah-TY-tis AY vak-SEEN).
- Generic name
- Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated)
- Brand names
- Vaqta, Havrix, Biovac-A, Avaxim
- Drug class
- Vaccine (Inactivated Viral Vaccine)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated) is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated) works
The Hepatitis A vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis A virus. Upon intramuscular administration, it stimulates the immune system to produce specific anti-HAV antibodies, conferring active immunity against hepatitis A infection. The vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause hepatitis A. (2)
What Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated) is used for
Active immunization against hepatitis A virus infection
Active immunization against hepatitis A virus infection (2)
Prevention of hepatitis A in individuals at increased risk of exposure
Prevention of hepatitis A in individuals at increased risk of exposure (2)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis for travelers to endemic areas
Pre-exposure prophylaxis for travelers to endemic areas (2)
Post-exposure prophylaxis in certain situations
Post-exposure prophylaxis in certain situations (2)
Before taking Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or any vaccine component. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated)
- General Instructions: The Hepatitis A vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm. It is important to complete the full vaccine series for maximum protection.. Adult Dosing: Adults (19 years and older) typically receive two 1.0 mL doses: the first dose followed by a second (booster) dose 6-12 to 6-18 months later, depending on the specific vaccine brand used.. Pediatric Dosing: Children (usually starting at age 12 months) receive two doses, with the second dose given 6–18 months after the first.. Administration: Administered by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection, usually in the deltoid muscle.. When To Stop: Do not stop the vaccine series unless advised by your healthcare provider due to a serious reaction.. Storage: Store in the refrigerator at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. The series does not need to be restarted; simply receive the missed dose at the next opportunity.
Overdose
Overdose with the Hepatitis A vaccine is unlikely. If more than the recommended dose is given, monitor for increased side effects and seek medical advice if you feel unwell. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Soreness at injection site
Incidence: Adults: about 56%; children 2 years+: about 21%; infants 11-25 months: pain about 32%, redness about 29% (per FDA label)
Headache
Incidence: Adults: about 14%; children 2 years+: under 9% (per FDA label)
Fever
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tiredness / irritability / drowsiness
Incidence: In infants 11-25 months: irritability about 42%, drowsiness about 28% (per FDA label)
Loss of appetite
Incidence: In infants 11-25 months: about 28% (per FDA label)
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing, widespread hives, dizziness, or fainting shortly after vaccination
Incidence: Rare but serious; vaccination sites are equipped to manage this
Fainting (syncope), especially in adolescents, sometimes with a fall
Incidence: Uncommon; observation after vaccination reduces fall-related injury
Serious warnings
Not for use in individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component, including neomycin (a component of some hepatitis A vaccines) — serious
Symptoms: Not for use in individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component, including neomycin (a component of some hepatitis A vaccines). Use caution in immunocompromised patients; response may be reduced. Inform your provider of all allergies and medical conditions. Report any unusual or severe side effects immediately. Complete the full vaccine series for optimal protection.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Fainting (syncope) can happen after any injectable vaccine, sometimes with a fall and injury — serious
Symptoms: Fainting (syncope) can happen after any injectable vaccine, sometimes with a fall and injury; the vaccination site will typically have you sit or lie down and observe you briefly afterward. Prefilled syringes of some hepatitis A vaccine brands contain natural rubber latex in the tip cap or plunger — tell your vaccinator if you have a latex allergy. Because hepatitis A has a long incubation period, the vaccine may not prevent illness if you were already infected shortly before vaccination.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or any vaccine component. Precautions: Immunocompromised patients may have a reduced response. Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders; administer with fine-gauge needle and apply pressure.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | The Hepatitis A vaccine can be given with other vaccines, but always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and vaccines you are taking. Immunosuppressive drugs may reduce vaccine effectiveness. There are no known significant drug-drug interactions, but live vaccines should be spaced appropriately. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Safety and effectiveness have not been formally established in pregnant women. Because this is an inactivated (non-live) vaccine, it may still be given during pregnancy when the risk of hepatitis A exposure is significant (for example, travel to a high-risk area) and the treating clinician judges the benefit outweighs the theoretical risk. Any use in pregnancy should be discussed with the treating clinician. (2)
Breastfeeding
Safety and effectiveness have not been formally established in nursing mothers. As an inactivated vaccine, it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding by many clinicians, but any use should be discussed with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Frequency: A single 0.5 mL dose, with a 0.5 mL booster dose given 6-12 months later (interval may be up to 18 months depending on the specific vaccine brand).. Weight Based: Not applicable; standard dosing is used.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable as this is a vaccine.. Max Single Dose: 0.5 mL. Age Restrictions: Approved for use in children aged 12 months and older. (2)
Renal_impairment
Specific renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing adjustments are not established for this vaccine; standard dosing is used, with the treating clinician considering the individual's overall health and immune status. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Specific renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing adjustments are not established for this vaccine; standard dosing is used, with the treating clinician considering the individual's overall health and immune status. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Active immunization against hepatitis A virus infection
Dose summary: Adults (19 years and older): 1.0 mL intramuscularly, with a 1.0 mL booster 6-12 months later. Children aged 12 months-18 years: 0.5 mL intramuscularly, with a 0.5 mL booster 6-12 months later (up to 18 months for some brands).
Renal context: No specific renal-impairment dose adjustment is established; standard dosing is used. (2)
Frequently asked questions
Who should get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for all children at age 12–23 months, travelers to countries with high hepatitis A rates, people with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, people who use illicit drugs, and others at increased risk.
How long does protection from the Hepatitis A vaccine last?
After completing the two-dose series, protection typically lasts at least 20 years, and possibly lifelong in most people.
Can the Hepatitis A vaccine be given during pregnancy?
The vaccine is not routinely recommended in pregnancy but may be given if the risk of exposure is high and the benefits outweigh the risks. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I have a mild reaction after the vaccine?
Mild reactions such as soreness or low fever usually resolve on their own. Use a cool compress and over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Contact your provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Is the Hepatitis A vaccine safe for people with egg allergies?
Yes, the vaccine does not contain egg protein and is considered safe for people with egg allergies.
Can I receive the Hepatitis A vaccine if I am immunocompromised?
Yes, but your immune response may be lower. Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the best timing and need for additional precautions.
What happens if I am exposed to hepatitis A before vaccination?
If you are exposed to hepatitis A and have not been vaccinated, you may receive the vaccine and/or immune globulin as post-exposure prophylaxis. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What happens if I take too much Hepatitis A vaccine?
Overdosing on the Hepatitis A vaccine is highly unlikely as it is administered by a healthcare professional. However, if you believe you have received an excessive dose or experience any unusual or severe symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately for proper evaluation and care.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Hepatitis A vaccine?
Generally, there are no specific contraindications against consuming alcohol after receiving an inactivated viral vaccine like the Hepatitis A vaccine. However, excessive alcohol consumption can potentially suppress the immune system, which might theoretically reduce the vaccine's effectiveness. It's always best to discuss alcohol intake with your healthcare provider.
Is Hepatitis A vaccine safe during pregnancy?
The Hepatitis A vaccine's safety during pregnancy falls under a specific pregnancy category, and the decision to vaccinate should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. They will assess the potential benefits of vaccination against any theoretical risks to the mother and fetus, considering individual circumstances and exposure risk.
What is the mechanism of action of Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated)?
The Hepatitis A vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis A virus. Upon intramuscular administration, it stimulates the immune system to produce specific anti-HAV antibodies, conferring active immunity against hepatitis A infection. The vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause hepatitis A. (2)
What is the generic name of Hepatitis A Vaccine (Inactivated)?
The generic name is Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated). It is sold under brand names including Vaqta, Havrix, Biovac-A, Avaxim.
What class of drug is Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated)?
Hepatitis A Vaccine (Inactivated) is classed as: Vaccine (Inactivated Viral Vaccine).
References
- Hepatitis A Vaccine – MedGuideGlobal Medicine EntryMedGuideGlobal internal clinician-authored medicine record · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- HAVRIX (hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated) – prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Hepatitis A vaccine (inactivated) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- Havrix 720 Junior Monodose0.5 mL · GlaxoSmithKline
- Biovac A0.5 mL · Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd