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 at risk.

• Healthy adults and children aged 12 months and older who require protection against hepatitis A.
• Travelers to regions where hepatitis A is endemic or where outbreaks have occurred.
• Persons with occupational exposure to hepatitis A, such as laboratory workers handling the virus.
• Individuals with chronic liver disease who need additional protection.
• Close contacts of patients with confirmed hepatitis A infection.

The safety profile of Havrix includes both common, generally mild reactions and rare, serious events.

Common

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
• Low‑grade fever.
• Headache.
• Fatigue or malaise.
• Muscle aches.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with difficulty breathing or swelling of the face.
• Guillain‑Barré syndrome (rare neurological condition).
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
• Seizures (rare).

Before administering Havrix, healthcare providers should consider several precautionary factors.

• Known severe allergy to any component of the vaccine, including aluminium hydroxide.
• History of anaphylaxis after a previous dose of Havrix or another hepatitis A vaccine.
• Acute moderate or severe illness; vaccination should be postponed until recovery.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding status should be discussed with a clinician, as data are limited.
• Immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced antibody response and may require additional dosing.
• Children under 12 months are not approved for this vaccine.

Havrix may interact with other medical products, influencing safety or immune response.

Avoid

• Concurrent administration with other live vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella) without appropriate interval.
• Use of immunoglobulin products that may neutralize the vaccine antigen if given shortly before or after vaccination.

Use with caution

• Simultaneous receipt of other inactivated vaccines (e.g., influenza) – generally acceptable but monitor for increased local reactions.
• Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy may have diminished vaccine efficacy.
• Antipyretic or analgesic medications (e.g., acetaminophen) taken prophylactically may mask mild systemic reactions.