Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse. This vaccination is done in children at the age of 12 months through 18 years. Adults who have not been vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis A can also get the vaccine. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination. To get the full benefit of the hepatitis A vaccine, more than one shot is needed. The number and timing of these shots depends on the type of vaccine you are given. Practicing good hand hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.

The most common side effects include nausea, pain, abdominal pain, anaphylactic reaction, convulsion, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, tenderness, and vomiting. They do not normally last very long. Sitting or lying down can sometimes help. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you.

Before having the injection, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vaccine. Some other medicines may react with the hepatitis A vaccine so talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking as well.

Prevention of Hepatitis A infection

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is an inactivated vaccine (made from a dead virus). It helps develop immunity by forming antibodies, which are proteins that protect against infection caused by viruses present in the vaccine.

If you miss a dose of Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine, please consult your doctor.

It is a vaccine used to prevent hepatitis A infection.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease which spreads through food or water containing hepatitis A virus or by direct contact with an infected person.

It should be stored in the refrigerator at 2° to 8°C. Do not freeze.

Let your doctor know if you have a high fever, serious illness or a weakened immune system.

Q. What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have symptoms of hepatitis A infection.

Q. How safe is Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine?

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is safe and well tolerated. The vaccines have undergone years of testing before being licensed by the health authorities and remain under continuous monitoring for safety. Side effects with Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine are mild to moderate in intensity and commonly include pain, swelling and redness at the injection site and headache.

Q. When should Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine be given?

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is usually given as a single initial injection. After that a second dose is given 6 to 12 months later. Two doses can help you protect yourself from getting an infection for at least 20 years. Persons who are travelling should preferably take the initial dose of the medicine at least 2 weeks before leaving, although it can be given up to the day of your departure, if needed. However, it would be best to consult your doctor regarding the use of medicine.

Q. I think I have been exposed to hepatitis A. What should I do?

If you think you have been exposed to hepatitis A, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide what is best for you, based on your age and overall health. If you were recently exposed to hepatitis A virus and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, you might benefit from an injection of either hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin. However, the vaccine or immune globulin are only effective if given within the first 2 weeks after exposure.

Q. Is Hepatitis A infection fatal or life-threatening?

Hepatitis A infection usually does not cause liver disease. However, in some cases, it may lead to acute liver failure which can be life-threatening.

Q. Is hepatitis A curable?

No, there’s currently no cure for hepatitis A, but it normally gets better on its own within a couple of months. However, it is better to consult a doctor if you think you are exposed to hepatitis A virus to rule out any other serious conditions that have similar symptoms.

Q. Is Hepatitis A infection contagious?

Yes, Hepatitis A virus infection is contagious.

Q. What is Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) refers to trying to prevent or treat a disease after an exposure. For hepatitis A, postexposure prophylaxis is an injection of either hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin. However, the vaccine or immune globulin are only effective in preventing hepatitis A if given within the first 2 weeks after exposure.

Q. I had hepatitis A in the past, can I get it again?

No. Once you recover from hepatitis A, you develop antibodies that protect you from the virus for life. An antibody is a substance found in the blood which is produced by the body in response to a virus. Antibodies protect the body from disease by attaching to the virus and destroying it.

Q. How long does hepatitis A virus survive outside the body?

The hepatitis A virus can survive for months outside the body. However, the virus can get destroyed at high temperatures, such as boiling or cooking food/liquids for at least 1 minute at 185°F (85°C), although freezing temperatures do not have any effect on it.

Q. Does Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine cause fever?

Yes, mild fever may occur after administering Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine. Contact your doctor if your fever worsens or does not go away.

Q. Is Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine necessary?

Although not mandatory, Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is recommended if you’re travelling to countries where there are poor levels of sanitation and hygiene, and cases of hepatitis A are common.

In Prevention of Hepatitis A infection

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine helps your body develop immunity by forming antibodies that your body needs for protection against hepatitis A virus. It is usually recommended for people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis A. It is given by an injection into a muscle and should be administered at least 2 weeks prior to expected exposure.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)

Vomiting

Tenderness

Erythema (skin redness)

Feeling of discomfort

Loss of appetite

Headache

Fever

Fatigue

Convulsion

Anaphylactic reaction

Abdominal pain

Sore throat

Pain

Nausea

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Avaxim 80U Pediatric Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Havrix 1440 /720 : Inactivated Hepatitis A VaccineIP. Mumbai, India: GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited; 1998 . view

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Havrix Junior Monodose Vaccine: Hepatitis A Vaccine . Rixensart, Belgium: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; 2015. view

Havrix Junior Monodose Vaccine: Hepatitis A Vaccine. Uxbridge, Middlesex: GlaxoSmithKline UK; 1996 . view

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Havrix . Rixensart, Belgium: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; 1995 view