When can a child get the first hepatitis A shot?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Huynh Bao Toan - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Hepatitis A has an adverse effect on children's health and quality of life. Vietnam is one of the high-risk countries for hepatitis A, especially among children. Vaccinate children with hepatitis A from the age of 1 to protect their health and help them avoid dangerous complications that this virus can cause.

1. What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A (also known as Hepatitis A) is an acute infectious disease in the liver, caused by the hepatitis A virus. The disease is usually transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract. The hepatitis A virus hides in feces and can be transmitted through hands that are not cleaned properly. This virus is very easily spread in kindergartens and schools.
The virus can also be transmitted through ingestion from contaminated food and water sources. It is very long-lived and can survive for months on end on contact surfaces, in raw food and in wastewater.
1.1 Common Symptoms Fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and sometimes jaundice are common signs that you are infected with the hepatitis A virus. Not always, though. Any disease causes the symptoms mentioned above, especially in young children.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for this disease, but most infected children recover on their own after 2 months. According to statistics, only about 15% of people infected with hepatitis A have a relapse within 6 months and a very small number of hepatitis A infections die.
For all these reasons, the hepatitis A vaccine was born. Vaccination against hepatitis A is an important and necessary job to protect the health of children and all family members.

2. Why is hepatitis A vaccination required?

Hepatitis A vaccine helps protect children against hepatitis A, the virus that causes liver disease. The long-term consequences of the disease are usually less severe than those of hepatitis B or hepatitis C. However, in the worst cases, hepatitis A infection can cause liver damage and even death.
Currently, Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest rate of hepatitis infection. Since many people – especially children – do not show any symptoms, it is difficult to know exactly how many people become infected with hepatitis A each year. However, vaccination can help control infection.

3. What cases need hepatitis A injection?

Children aged 1 year (12 months) and older People with a history of chronic liver disease

Patients who are prescribed coagulation factor therapy People who regularly work in laboratories related to hepatitis A virus People who live in areas where there is an epidemic of hepatitis A People who plan to travel to other countries. countries where the disease is contagious Men who have sex with men People who have used drugs People with chronic hepatitis such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C People who have frequent contact with animals infected with hepatitis A or laboratory animals studying hepatitis A. For children, the first dose of vaccine should be given at 12 months of age.
In other cases, anyone can request an injection at any time when there is a suspicion of a possible infection with the hepatitis A virus.
Situations where hepatitis A should not be given
People who are allergic to the hepatitis A vaccine first injection. People are susceptible to reactions to the ingredients in the vaccine. People who are suffering from acute diseases should postpone the injection, in mild cases, the injection can be considered. Pregnant women should consult a doctor. Because hepatitis A vaccine is contraindicated for pregnant women, the safety of pregnant women and the fetus cannot be guaranteed, but science has not yet confirmed that this vaccine is harmful to pregnant women.

4. When can a child get his or her first hepatitis A shot?

The doctor will give you 2 injections. The first dose is given between 12 and 23 months of age, followed by a second dose after 6 to 18 months.
Hepatitis A vaccine is indicated for intramuscular injection. Exceptionally, in patients with thrombocytopenia or bleeding, the vaccine can be administered subcutaneously to avoid the risk of prolonged bleeding.

5. Full schedule of hepatitis A vaccination for children

Hepatitis A vaccination schedule for children from 12 months to 15 years old: Two basic injections of 0.5ml Avaxim 80U dosage form.
1st dose: when the child is 12 months old or older
2nd dose: 6 to 18 months apart from the 1st dose
Vinmec International General Hospital uses a source of high quality vaccines with clear origin, in accordance with regulations age to be vaccinated, ensure safety from check-in, storage to use.
Before vaccination, all children are screened before vaccination with pediatricians - vaccines to help children ensure the best health when vaccinated. The doctor will advise the family on the best preventive vaccines for each age group according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization as well as how to monitor the reaction after vaccination. In addition, Vinmec Vaccination and Consulting Room has other advantages such as:
Experienced and professional team of pediatric doctors and nurses, understanding children's psychology and applying effective pain relief for children during the process. vaccination. 100% of vaccinated children are monitored and re-evaluated before leaving. Post-vaccination monitoring room is fully equipped with emergency facilities; the team of doctors - nurses are trained in anaphylaxis emergency management to ensure timely and correct treatment when an incident occurs. The vaccination room is airy, with a play area, helping children feel comfortable as if they are walking and have a good mentality before and after vaccination. Dr. Huynh Bao Toan has 13 years of experience in the field of Pediatrics. Before being a neonatologist at Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital, he was the former Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department of Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

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