The hepatitis A vaccine is produced with the virus inactivated and stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus, fighting future infections. Because the virus is inactivated in its composition, this vaccine has no contraindications and can be administered to children, adults, the elderly and pregnant women.
The administration of this vaccine is considered optional by the National Immunization Program of the Ministry of Health, but it is recommended that children from 12 months onwards take the first dose of the vaccine.
Hepatitis A is a contagious disease caused by the hepatitis A virus that leads to the appearance of a mild and short-term condition that is characterized by symptoms such as tiredness, yellow skin and eyes, dark urine and low fever. Learn more about hepatitis A.
Vaccine indications
The hepatitis A vaccine is generally recommended in cases of outbreak or contact with people with hepatitis A, and can also be taken from 12 months of age as a form of prevention.
- Childhood: the first dose is administered at 12 months and the second at 18 months, which 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 taken at 15 months; Children, adolescents and adults: the vaccine is administered in two doses with an interval of 6 months and is available in private vaccination clinics; Elderly: the vaccine is recommended only after serological evaluation by the doctor or in periods of outbreak of hepatitis A, being administered in two doses with an interval of 6 months between doses; Pregnant women: data on the use of the hepatitis A vaccine in pregnant women are limited and therefore administration during pregnancy is not recommended. The vaccine should only be applied to pregnant women if necessary, and after an evaluation by the doctor of the risks and benefits.
In addition to the hepatitis A vaccine alone, there is also the combined vaccine against the hepatitis A and B viruses, which is an alternative for people who have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and is administered in two doses to people under 16 years, with a 6-month interval between doses, and in three doses in people over 16 years, the second dose being 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 may occur at the application site, such as pain, redness and swelling, and the 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 should not use
This vaccine should not be administered to children with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after previous administration of a vaccine with the same components or constituents.
In addition, it should also not be used in children under 12 months or in pregnant women without a doctor's recommendation.
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:
