Avaxim (Hepatitis A Virus (Inactivated, Adsorbed))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Avaxim Used For?
Avaxim is a vaccine that helps protect you from Hepatitis A infection. It contains inactivated (killed) hepatitis A virus that cannot cause the disease but helps your body build immunity.
Primary Uses
Avaxim prevents Hepatitis A infection, which is caused by a virus usually spread through contaminated food or drink. It may also be transmitted by sharing needles and some sexual practices. The vaccine is recommended for adults and children aged 2 years and older.
How It Works
The vaccine contains inactivated virus that is injected into your body. Your immune system then produces disease-fighting substances (antibodies) to protect against the virus. If you later come into contact with the live virus, your body is usually ready to destroy it. However, like all vaccines, 100% protection cannot be guaranteed.
Good to know: Avaxim cannot cause Hepatitis A infection because it contains only inactivated (killed) virus
How to Take Avaxim
Avaxim is given as an injection into your upper arm muscle by a doctor or nurse. You cannot give this vaccine to yourself.
Dosage Instructions
The dose is 0.5 mL for both adults and children. You will receive one injection, followed by a second injection 6 to 36 months later for long-term protection. For people with bleeding disorders, the injection may be given under the skin instead of into the muscle.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled second dose, talk to your doctor and arrange another appointment as soon as possible. It’s important to complete the two-dose series for full protection.
Important: Never inject Avaxim directly into veins or into the buttocks – it must be given into the upper arm muscle
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain, redness, or reaction at injection site
- Mild fever
- Bruising
- Headaches
- Unusual weakness
- Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness
- Painful, swollen joints
- Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Skin rash or itchiness
- Swollen lymph nodes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reaction with shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
- Severe skin rash, itching, or hives
- Fainting
- Seizures
Important Warnings
Before receiving Avaxim, tell your doctor about your medical history and current health conditions.
Who Should Not Take Avaxim
Do not receive Avaxim if you are allergic to the vaccine or any of its ingredients (including neomycin), if you have had a severe reaction to a previous injection of this vaccine, or if the child is under 2 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have lowered immunity due to diseases (blood disorders, leukemia, malaria, kidney disease requiring dialysis, HIV/AIDS, cancer) or treatments (corticosteroids, cyclosporin, cancer medicines, radiation therapy), allergies to neomycin or other substances, previous serious allergic reactions to vaccines, or current illness with high fever.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Avaxim is not recommended during pregnancy. If vaccination is needed during pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you. For breastfeeding mothers, your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of receiving the vaccine.
Lowered Immunity: The vaccine may not work as well in people with weakened immune systems due to disease or medical treatments
Drug Interactions
Avaxim can generally be given with other vaccines and medications, but tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
- Can be given with other inactivated vaccines at different injection sites
- Can be given with yellow fever vaccine at different injection sites
- Can be given with polysaccharide typhoid vaccine at different injection sites
- Other medicines can usually be taken as normal after vaccination
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions with Avaxim.
Storage
Avaxim is usually stored at your doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy. If you need to store it, keep it in the original package in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze the vaccine as freezing destroys it. Keep it away from children and dispose of expired vaccine at any pharmacy.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely since Avaxim is given by a healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about the injection, speak with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but your body begins producing antibodies after the injection. A second dose 6 to 36 months later provides long-term protection.
Yes, Avaxim can generally be given at the same time as other inactivated vaccines, yellow fever vaccine, or polysaccharide typhoid vaccine, but at different injection sites.
Yes, Avaxim is recommended for children aged 2 years and older. The same 0.5 mL dose is used for both adults and children.
Call your doctor immediately or go straight to the Emergency Department if you experience shortness of breath, swelling of face or lips, or severe skin rash after vaccination.
No, Avaxim contains only inactivated (killed) virus and cannot cause Hepatitis A infection. However, it may not prevent infection if you were already infected before vaccination.
Yes, you need both doses for long-term protection. The first injection is followed by a second injection 6 to 36 months later. It’s important to return for your scheduled second dose.
Since Hepatitis A infection can go undetected for a long time, you might already be infected when vaccinated. The vaccine may not prevent Hepatitis A in people who are already infected.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.