Havrix (Hepatitis A Virus (Inactivated ) Adsorbed On Aluminium Hydroxide Hydrated Produced On Human Diploid)

Havrix is indicated for the prevention of hepatitis A virus infection in individuals who are at risk of exposure.

• Adults and children aged 12 months and older who have not been previously immunized.
• Pre‑travel protection for persons traveling to regions where hepatitis A is endemic.
• Post‑exposure prophylaxis for individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of hepatitis A.
• Use in outbreak settings to rapidly increase community immunity.
• Immunization of healthcare workers who may be exposed to hepatitis A through patient care.
• Vaccination of individuals with chronic liver disease to reduce the risk of severe hepatitis A complications.

Following intramuscular administration, Havrix may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient. These events typically resolve without medical intervention within a few days. Most individuals experience no more than mild discomfort after vaccination.

Common

• Injection site pain, redness or swelling.
• Low‑grade fever or mild headache.
• Fatigue or general feeling of being unwell.
• Transient joint or muscle aches.
• Mild nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) characterized by difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or hives.
• Guillain‑Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition causing muscle weakness.
• Persistent high fever or seizures (very rare).

Healthcare providers should evaluate individual risk factors and medical history before administering Havrix to ensure safe immunization.

• Defer vaccination in persons with known severe allergy to any vaccine component, especially aluminium salts.
• Postpone administration in individuals experiencing acute moderate or severe illness until recovery.
• Use with caution in patients with immunocompromised conditions, as response may be reduced.
• Consider delaying vaccination in pregnant women; safety data are limited.
• Monitor for anaphylactic reactions for at least 15 minutes after injection.
• Assess liver disease status, as hepatitis A infection can be more severe in chronic liver disease.
• Review prior hepatitis A vaccination history to avoid unnecessary repeat dosing.

Havrix generally has a low potential for drug interactions, but certain concomitant therapies may require attention.

Avoid

• Avoid administration with immunoglobulin products within 2 weeks, as they may reduce vaccine efficacy.
• Avoid use of systemic corticosteroids at high doses during vaccination, as they may impair immune response.

Use with caution

• Use with caution in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, including biologics, because response may be diminished.
• Use with caution when co-administered with other vaccines; monitor for increased reactogenicity.
• Use with caution in individuals on antipyretics; they may mask fever.
• Use with caution in patients receiving blood products, as they may interfere with antibody formation.