VAQTA
Pronunciation: VAHK-tuh.
- Generic name
- Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated
- Brand names
- VAQTA
- Drug class
- Inactivated viral vaccine
- Form
- Suspension for intramuscular injection
- Route
- Intramuscular injection
- Legal status
- Prescription-only (Rx only; US label)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated is and how it works
VAQTA is an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine given by intramuscular injection to prevent disease caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). (1)
It is indicated in people aged 12 months and older. The initial dose should be given at least 2 weeks before anticipated HAV exposure. The US label specifies a primary dose followed by a booster dose 6 to 18 months later.
Mechanism of action: how Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated works
VAQTA contains formaldehyde-inactivated hepatitis A virus strain CR326F antigen grown in human MRC-5 diploid fibroblast cell culture. (1)
What Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated is used for
Prevention of hepatitis A
VAQTA is indicated for prevention of disease caused by hepatitis A virus in people aged 12 months and older. For anticipated exposure, the initial dose should be given at least 2 weeks beforehand. (1)
Before taking Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not receive VAQTA if there has been an immediate or severe allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis, after a previous dose of any hepatitis A vaccine, unless the responsible clinician determines otherwise. (all recipients) (1)
- Do not receive VAQTA if there has been an anaphylactic reaction to neomycin, a trace component from manufacturing, unless the responsible clinician determines otherwise. (all recipients) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Any previous immediate or severe allergic reaction to a hepatitis A vaccine, neomycin, latex, or another vaccine component.
- Latex sensitivity, because the vial stopper contains dry natural latex rubber and may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals.
- Any condition or treatment that affects the immune system, because immune response to VAQTA may be diminished and protection against HAV may be incomplete.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
How to take Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated
- VAQTA is administered by intramuscular injection.
- For people aged 12 months through 18 years, the US label specifies a 0.5 mL (25 U antigen) primary dose followed by a 0.5 mL booster dose 6 to 18 months later.
- For people aged 19 years and older, the US label specifies a 1 mL (50 U antigen) primary dose followed by a 1 mL booster dose 6 to 18 months later.
- For anticipated HAV exposure, the initial dose should be given at least 2 weeks before exposure.
- Have the clinician or vaccination service confirm the age-appropriate formulation and vaccination schedule.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
The reviewed source specifies that the booster dose is given 6 to 18 months after the primary dose but did not provide detailed instructions for a delayed or missed booster. Contact the clinician or vaccination service for individual scheduling advice.
Overdose
Specific overdose or vaccine-administration-error guidance was not captured from the reviewed source. If an incorrect product, formulation, volume, or schedule may have been used, contact the administering clinician or vaccination service promptly for assessment. (1)
Side effects
Reported reactions differ by age group and whether VAQTA was given alone or concomitantly with other pediatric vaccines.
Injection-site pain or tenderness
What to notice: This was reported in 37.0% of children aged 12 to 23 months, 18.7% of children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years, and 67.0% of adults aged 19 years and older. Adults may describe this as pain, tenderness, or soreness.
What to do: Discuss troublesome or persistent symptoms with the clinician or vaccination service. (1)
Injection-site erythema or warmth
What to notice: Injection-site erythema was reported in 21.2% of children aged 12 to 23 months. Injection-site warmth was reported in 18.2% of adults aged 19 years and older.
What to do: Discuss troublesome or persistent symptoms with the clinician or vaccination service. (1)
Fever
What to notice: In children aged 12 to 23 months, fever was reported in 16.4% when VAQTA was given alone and 27.0% when it was given concomitantly with other pediatric vaccines.
What to do: Contact a clinician if fever is concerning or persistent. (1)
Headache
What to notice: Headache was reported in 16.1% of adults aged 19 years and older.
What to do: Discuss troublesome or persistent symptoms with the clinician or vaccination service. (1)
Possible allergic reaction in a latex-sensitive person
What to notice: The vial stopper contains dry natural latex rubber, which may cause allergic reactions in people with latex sensitivity. Specific reaction symptoms were not captured in the reviewed source.
What to do: Contact a clinician promptly for assessment of a suspected allergic reaction. (1)
Serious warnings
Severe allergic or hypersensitivity reaction — emergency
Symptoms: A history of immediate or severe allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis, after a previous hepatitis A vaccine or an anaphylactic reaction to neomycin is a contraindication. The reviewed source did not capture a detailed symptom list.
Action: Seek emergency medical help for a suspected severe allergic reaction. Future vaccination decisions should be made by the responsible clinician. (1)
Reduced protection in immunocompromised people — important
Symptoms: Immunocompromised people may have a diminished immune response to VAQTA and may not be fully protected against HAV infection even after vaccination.
Action: Discuss immune status and expected protection with the clinician responsible for vaccination. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Other vaccines or medicines | The reviewed source reported fever rates when VAQTA was given concomitantly with other pediatric vaccines, but it did not capture detailed interaction, co-administration, or scheduling guidance. | Provide the clinician or vaccination service with a current vaccination and medicine history. Detailed interaction guidance remains unresolved from the reviewed source. (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Children and adolescents
VAQTA is indicated from age 12 months. For ages 12 months through 18 years, the US label specifies a 0.5 mL (25 U antigen) primary dose and a 0.5 mL booster dose 6 to 18 months later. (1)
Immunocompromised people
Immune response may be diminished, and protection against HAV may be incomplete even after vaccination. (1)
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Available post-approval data from about 30 monitored pregnancies found miscarriage rates consistent with background population rates, but the data are limited. (1)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether VAQTA is excreted in human milk. A decision about vaccination during breastfeeding should weigh breastfeeding benefits, the mother's need for vaccination, and potential effects on the breastfed infant. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirm the recipient is at least 12 months old and select the age-appropriate US-label formulation.
- Review any previous immediate or severe allergic reaction to hepatitis A vaccine, anaphylaxis to neomycin, and latex sensitivity.
- Assess whether immunocompromise could reduce the vaccine response.
- Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding where relevant.
During treatment
- Ensure the booster is scheduled 6 to 18 months after the primary dose according to the age-appropriate US-label regimen.
- Assess reported adverse reactions and suspected allergic reactions.
- The reviewed source did not capture vaccine-specific syncope warning language, detailed monitoring protocols, or post-vaccination observation requirements.
Storage
Storage and handling temperature details were not captured from the reviewed source and remain unresolved. Use the current product packaging and official local product information.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. Use the current local product information, official immunization guidance, and the exact supplied formulation.
United States
Indication: Prevention of disease caused by hepatitis A virus in persons aged 12 months and older
Dose summary: Ages 12 months through 18 years: 0.5 mL (25 U antigen) intramuscular primary dose, followed by a 0.5 mL booster 6 to 18 months later. Ages 19 years and older: 1 mL (50 U antigen) intramuscular primary dose, followed by a 1 mL booster 6 to 18 months later. Give the initial dose at least 2 weeks before anticipated HAV exposure.
Renal context: Renal-impairment dosing information was not captured from the reviewed source; no adjustment should be inferred from this draft. (1)
Hepatic guidance
Hepatic-impairment dosing information was not captured from the reviewed source; no adjustment should be inferred from this draft.
Overdose note
Specific overdose and administration-error management information was not captured from the reviewed source. (1)
Frequently asked questions
Who can receive VAQTA?
The US label indicates VAQTA for prevention of hepatitis A disease in people aged 12 months and older. (1)
When is the VAQTA booster given?
The US label specifies a booster dose 6 to 18 months after the primary dose. The dose volume depends on age: 0.5 mL for ages 12 months through 18 years and 1 mL for ages 19 years and older. (1)
Can VAQTA be used if I am allergic to latex or neomycin?
Tell the clinician before vaccination. The vial stopper contains dry natural latex rubber, and an anaphylactic reaction to neomycin is a contraindication. A history of immediate or severe allergic reaction after a hepatitis A vaccine is also a contraindication. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated?
VAQTA contains formaldehyde-inactivated hepatitis A virus strain CR326F antigen grown in human MRC-5 diploid fibroblast cell culture. (1)
What is the generic name of VAQTA?
The generic name is Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated. It is sold under brand names including VAQTA. (1)
What class of drug is Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated?
VAQTA is classed as: Inactivated viral vaccine. (1)
References
- VAQTA (Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated) — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2024-06-17 · accessed 2026-08-05 · source 1
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
Canada
- AVAXIM
- HAVRIX - SUS IM 1440 ELISA UNITS/ML
- VAQTA
- HAVRIX