Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccine

Who should consider a hepatitis A vaccine?

How does the hepatitis A vaccine work?

How often do I need to be vaccinated? How long does the vaccine last?

How effective is the hepatitis A vaccine?

Are there any side effects?

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the hepatitis A vaccine?

Which medications are used in the hepatitis A vaccine?

How much does the hepatitis A vaccine cost?

 

Hepatitis A vaccine 

Getting the hep A vaccine, and using other preventive measures will help one to avoid hepatitis A infection. Currently there are no standard treatments for hepatitis A. Usually the body's immune system will clear the virus on its own.
 

Who should consider a hepatitis A vaccine?

Travelers, children over the age of one, those with clotting factor disorders, medical-lab workers, men who are sexually active with men, illicit drug users, and anyone who desires to protect him- or herself should consider being vaccinated against hepatitis A.
 

How does the hepatitis A vaccine work?

An inactive version of the hepatitis A virus is injected under the skin in order to build antibodies against the virus.
 

How often do I need to be vaccinated? How long does the vaccine last?

The vaccine requires two shots given six months apart, and is sufficient for long-term protection from the virus. A shot of IG ( immunoglobulin) can provide limited protection in emergency situations or before visiting endemic areas, or until the vaccine has taken effect.
 

How effective is the hepatitis A vaccine?

When administered correctly, the hep A vaccine has a 95-100% success rate.
 

Are there any side effects?

Side effects, if present,  should only last for 1-2 days and may include the following: localized tenderness around injection site, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite.
 

Is there anyone who should not get the hepatitis A vaccine?

Women who are pregnant or nursing, patients with latex allergies, and  patients who are moderately to severely ill should not get the hepatitis A vaccine. Patients who experienced a severe allergic reaction to the initial dosage should not receive second dose.
 

Which medications are used in the hepatitis A vaccine?

Havrix® (Glaxo Smith Kline) and Vaqta® (Merck) are two products that you may receive. Havrix® contains preservatives, while Vaqta® contains no preservatives.  In addition, a combination vaccine is available for both hepatitis A and B protection;  the name of this vaccine is Twinrix®.
 

How much does the hepatitis A vaccine cost?

Insurance sometimes covers the hepatitis A vaccine, especially for at-risk patients. Without insurance,  estimated charges are $60-315 dependent upon geographical location as well as consultation and administering fees. The fees for the combination vaccine Twinix® total approximately $330-$700.