Havrix

The prescription drug Havrix is an injectable vaccine that provides protection against the virus that causes hepatitis A. It works by exposing the body to a weakened form of the virus, which causes a specific immune system response. The vaccine can be given to children as young as one year old. Commonly reported side effects include soreness at the injection site and nausea.

Havrix Vaccine Information

What Is Havrix?

Havrix^® (hepatitis A vaccine) is used to provide protection against hepatitis A. It is approved for use in individuals one year of age and older.

(Click Havrix Uses for more information on what the vaccine is used for, including possible off-label indications.)

Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns

Havrix does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). People who are concerned about exposure to this substance can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts. Some people also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines. This vaccine contains 0.5 mg of aluminum per mL per adult dose and 0.25 mg of aluminum per pediatric dose.

Havrix is not made from animal components, unlike some vaccines. However, it is grown in a line of cells originally developed from lung tissue of an aborted human fetus.

Who Makes Havrix?

Havrix is made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.

How Does It Work?

Havrix contains inactivated (killed) hepatitis viruses.

Because this vaccine is not "live," there is no chance that a person could get hepatitis A from it.

Simply stated, Havrix allows the body to be exposed to the hepatitis A virus without risking the actual disease. The body produces antibodies that will help fight infection if future exposure occurs.

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