What is hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A or the Hep A vaccine protects kids against hepatitis virus that is known to cause fever, vomiting, nausea and jaundice.
Vaccine Schedule
The Hep A vaccine is to be given when the kids are 12-23 months old, which is to be followed by a second dose around 6-18 months later.
Why Your Child Needs This Vaccine?
Other than protecting the vaccinated child, Hep A vaccine also prevents epidemics. Some hepatitis virus infected kids show no symptoms at all but they still spread this virus to others. Getting your child vaccinated with Hep A can prevent the spread of it in a community.
Risk Associated with the Vaccine
The side effects of hepatitis A vaccine are generally mild fever, tenderness, soreness, and redness near the injected area. Rarely you will notice any allergic reaction post vaccinating your child with the hepatitis A vaccine.
When not to give the vaccine
You should avoid or delay the immunization if:
1)Your child is sick at the time of immunization, however; if it's just cold or minor illness, there's no harm in giving the vaccine.
2)Your child had any sort of allergic reaction to previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine.
Child Care Post Vaccination
As said, post the Hep A vaccination, your child can have soreness, swelling near the injected area or mild fever. There is nothing to worry about. You can consult a doctor and get the prescribed medicine for treating the pain and fever.
Can Hep A vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes, you can have your child vaccinated with Hep A along with other vaccines.
When to seek medical help
You must get in touch with your doctor if you are not sure about vaccinating your child or there are any severe problems post the immunization.