The hepatitis A vaccine is produced with the inactivated virus and stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus, fighting future infections. As it contains an inactivated virus, this vaccine has no contraindications and can be administered to children, adults, the elderly and pregnant women.
Hepatitis A is a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that leads to the emergence of a mild, short-term condition characterized by symptoms such as tiredness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine and low-grade fever. Learn more about hepatitis A.
When is it indicated
The hepatitis A vaccine is generally recommended in cases of an outbreak or contact with people with hepatitis A, with the first dose normally indicated at 12 months of age, according to the Brazilian Society of Immunizations. The indications for the hepatitis A vaccine are:
- Infancy: the first dose is administered at 12 months and the second at 18 months, and can be found in private vaccination clinics. If the child has not been vaccinated at 12 months, a single dose of the vaccine can be given at 15 months;
- Children, teenagers and adults: the vaccine is administered in two doses 6 months apart and is available in private vaccination clinics;
- Elderly: the vaccine is recommended only after serological evaluation by a doctor or in periods of hepatitis A outbreak, being administered in two doses with an interval of 6 months between doses;
- Pregnant women: Data on the use of hepatitis A vaccine in pregnant women are limited and therefore administration during pregnancy is not recommended. The vaccine should only be administered to pregnant women if necessary, and after a doctor’s assessment of the risks and benefits.
In addition to the vaccine against hepatitis A alone, there is also a combined vaccine against hepatitis A and B viruses, which is an alternative for people who have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, being administered in two doses to people under the age of 16 years old, with an interval of 6 months between doses, and in three doses for people over 16 years old, with the second dose administered 1 month after the first and the third dose, 6 months after the first.
Possible side effects
Side effects related to the vaccine are rare, however reactions at the application site, such as pain, redness and swelling, may occur, and symptoms should disappear after 1 day. In addition, the hepatitis A vaccine can also cause headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, decreased appetite, insomnia, irritability, fever, excessive tiredness and joint pain.
Who shouldn’t take
This vaccine should not be administered to children with a history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after previous administration of a vaccine with the same components or constituents. Furthermore, it should also not be used on children under 12 months or pregnant women without a doctor’s recommendation.
Also watch the following video, the conversation between nutritionist Tatiana Zanin and Dr. Drauzio Varella, and clarify some doubts about the transmission, prevention and treatment of hepatitis:
