Vaqta
VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml is a vaccine that helps protect children aged 12 months to 17 years against hepatitis A infection.
Form
injektioneste, suspensio
Strength
25 U / 0.5 ml
Active Ingredient
Hepatitis A virus (CR 326F), whole virus, inactivated
Manufacturer
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
How to Use
Dosage
Children aged 12 months to 17 years receive one 0.5 ml dose (25 U).
Method
A doctor or nurse will give the vaccine as a shot into the muscle of the upper arm. For very young children, it might be given in the thigh muscle if the upper arm muscle is not big enough.
Important
This vaccine is given in two doses: an initial shot and a booster shot 6-18 months later. It is not a daily medicine.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, warmth, or bruising where the shot was given.
- •Fever.
- •Feeling cranky or irritable.
- •Headache.
- •Diarrhea.
RARE
- •Feeling sick to your stomach, throwing up, stomach ache, gas, or changes in poop.
- •Feeling tired, sleepy, restless, or having trouble sleeping, crying more than usual, feeling anxious or scared.
- •Runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, asthma, or trouble breathing.
- •Skin rash, itching, redness, blisters, or sweating.
- •Dizziness, trouble with balance, strange skin feelings like tingling, or pain in arms, joints, or muscles, stiffness.
- •Hardening, bleeding, or color change at the injection site.
- •Feeling generally unwell, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, or chest pain.
- •Dryness (dehydration).
- •Earache.
- •Nervousness.
- •Guillain-Barré syndrome (muscle weakness, strange feelings like tingling in arms, legs, and upper body).
- •Thrombocytopenia (low blood cell count that makes bleeding or bruising more likely).
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you or your child are allergic to any part of this vaccine, including neomycin or formaldehyde.
- Do not get the vaccine if you or your child have a serious infection with a fever. Your doctor will decide when it's safe to vaccinate.
- Tell your doctor if you or your child have bleeding problems or bruise easily.
- Inform your doctor if you or your child have a weakened immune system due to illness or treatment, as the vaccine might not work as well.
- The vial stopper contains latex, which can cause severe allergic reactions.
Show 3 more warnings
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant, ask your doctor for advice before vaccination.
- This vaccine should not be injected directly into a blood vessel.
- If you or your child experience signs of a serious allergic reaction (like hives, trouble breathing, facial swelling, dizziness, or fainting) after leaving the vaccination site, get medical help right away.