Avaxim (Inactivated Hepatitis A)

1. What is Hepatitis A?
- Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus.
- It is usually spread through close, personal contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.

2. Symptoms:
- Most adults with hepatitis A experience symptoms, including fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Children under 6 years of age often do not have symptoms.
- Even asymptomatic individuals can transmit the disease to others.

3. Vaccination Schedule:
- Children:
- First dose: Given between 12 and 23 months of age.
- Second dose: Administered at least 6 months after the first dose.
- Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling outside the United States (where protection against hepatitis A is recommended) should receive 1 dose of the vaccine.
- These infants should still get 2 additional doses at the recommended ages for long-lasting protection.
- Older children, adolescents, and adults who were not previously vaccinated should also consider getting the vaccine.

4. Additional Recommendations:
- Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for:
- International travelers
- Men who have sexual contact with other men
- People who use injection or non-injection drugs
- Those with occupational risk for infection
- Individuals with close contact with international adoptees
- Homeless individuals
- People with HIV
- Those with chronic liver disease

5. Post-Exposure Vaccination:
- If someone has direct contact with a person with hepatitis A, they should receive the vaccine within 2 weeks after exposure.

6. Combination with Other Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Remember to discuss vaccination options with your healthcare provider.