Vaqta

VAQTA 50 U/1 ml is a vaccine that helps protect adults from infection caused by the hepatitis A virus by making the body produce antibodies against it.

Form
injektioneste, suspensio
Strength
50 U / 1 ml
Active Ingredient
Hepatitis A virus (CR 326F), whole virus, inactivated
Manufacturer
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.

How to Use

Dosage

The first dose is 1.0 ml (50 U) and provides protection within 2-4 weeks; a second booster dose of 1.0 ml (50 U) is given 6-18 months after the first.

Method

A doctor or nurse usually gives the vaccine as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm; if you have a bleeding risk, it may be given under the skin, but never into a blood vessel.

Important

This vaccine is given in two doses and is not taken daily.

Possible Side Effects

COMMON
  • Injection site tenderness, pain, warmth, swelling, redness
  • Headache
  • Arm pain (in the injected arm)
  • Weakness or tiredness
  • Fever (38.3 °C or higher)
  • Bruising at the injection site
  • Sore throat
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Dizziness
  • Tingling or abnormal skin sensations
  • Earache
  • Hot flashes
  • Runny or stuffy nose and airways
  • Cough
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive gas in stomach and intestines
  • Vomiting
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Skin redness
  • Muscle pain
  • Stiffness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones)
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Leg pain
  • Neck pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tightness at injection site
  • Chills
  • Abdominal pain
  • General discomfort
  • Hardening at injection site
  • Numbness
  • Cold sensation
  • Flu-like symptoms
RARE
  • Bronchitis
  • Stomach and intestinal inflammation (gastroenteritis)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lack of energy
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Drowsiness
  • Migraine
  • Tremors
  • Itchy eyes
  • Light sensitivity (photophobia)
  • Watery eyes
  • Vertigo (spinning dizziness)
  • Throat swelling
  • Sinus problems (sinusitis)
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth sores
  • Night sweats
  • Rash
  • Skin disorders
  • Muscle cramps
  • Elbow pain
  • Hip pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Muscle spasms (twitches)
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Warmth at injection site (localized)
  • Lump (≤ 2.5 cm) at injection site
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Chest pain
  • Flank pain
  • Irritation
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in arms, legs, and upper body)
  • Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count, increasing risk of bleeding and bruising)

Important Warnings

  • Do not use if you are allergic to any of the vaccine's ingredients, neomycin, or formaldehyde.
  • Do not use if you have a severe infection with a fever.
  • Tell your doctor about any past allergic reactions to vaccines.
  • The vaccine may contain traces of neomycin and formaldehyde.
  • Inform your doctor if you have bleeding problems.
Show 4 more warnings
  • Inform your doctor if you have a weakened immune system.
  • The vial stopper contains latex, which may cause allergic reactions.
  • Not all vaccinated people necessarily get full protection.
  • If you experience severe allergic reactions after vaccination, such as hives, breathing difficulties, facial swelling, dizziness, or collapse, seek immediate medical attention after leaving the vaccination site.