Hepatitis A Vaccine

Mechanism :

There are 2 types of Hepatitis A vaccine. Liver viral vaccine and recombinant vaccine. Hepatitis A Vaccine is a non-infectious vaccine. The virus strain HM175, is propagated in MRC-5 human diploid cells. After removal of the cell culture medium, the cells are lysed to form a suspension. This suspension is purified through ultrafiltration and gel permeation chromatography procedures is supplied as a sterile suspension for intramuscular administration.

Indication :

Hepatitis A prophylaxis in high risk groups, travellers.
Chronic liver disease, residential accommodation.
Haemophiliacs and in outbreaks of the illness.

Contraindications :

Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including neomycin, is a contraindication. This vaccine is contraindicated in patients with previous hypersensitivity to any hepatitis A-containing vaccine.

Dosing :

Primary vaccination schedule for recombinant vaccine: 2 doses, the second being administered 6-18 months after the first dose. Dosage for children <15 years is 0.5 ml given IM. An adult preparation is used for those >16 years. Not indicated in children less than <12 months.

Live vaccine: A single dose to be given SC.

Adverse Effect :

Local reactions at injection site (redness, induration, swelling), fever, malaise, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, drowsiness, headache.

Interaction :

HNIG may be given at the same time as the vaccine.

Hepatic Dose :

No dosage adjustments are needed.