What is Havrix: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Havrix overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric

Generic Names:

  • Havrix

Uses:

  • Prevents infection caused by hepatitis A virus.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vaccine

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Havrix used for?

What form(s) does Havrix come in

  • Injectable

What are common Havrix doses?

  • Syringe 0.5ML of 720EL U/0.5ML

  • Syringe 1ML of 1440EL U/ML

  • Vial 1ML of 1440EL U/ML

Common Havrix prescriptions

  • Havrix
    0.5ml of 720el u/0.5ml syringe

  • Havrix
    1ml of 1440el u/ml syringe

  • Havrix
    0.5ml of 720el u/0.5ml vial

  • Havrix
    1ml of 1440el u/ml vial

How to take Havrix

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.

  • You will receive a first dose of the vaccine and may get a second (booster) dose 6 to 12 months later.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • You will receive a first dose of the vaccine and may get a second (booster) dose 6 to 12 months later.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.

What to do if you miss a dose of Havrix

  • It is important that you or your child receive all doses at the right time. If you miss your scheduled shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Havrix contraindications

  • You should not receive this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of hepatitis A vaccine or to neomycin.

Havrix warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you or your child have liver disease, a bleeding problem (such as hemophilia), a weak immune system from a disease or medicine, or severe illness with a fever.

  • Tell your doctor if you have a cold or the flu, especially if you have a fever. You may need to wait until you are well to receive this vaccine.

  • Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Your first shot of the vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks before you may be exposed to the hepatitis A virus. If you already have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus or if you need longer-term protection, you may receive an immune globulin shot when you get the hepatitis A vaccine.

  • This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after you get the injection.

  • Tell your doctor if you or your child are allergic to latex. The needle cover and the rubber plunger of the prefilled syringe contain dry natural latex rubber, which may cause an allergic reaction in people with a latex allergy.

  • This vaccine may not protect you against hepatitis A infection if you are already infected with the virus at the time you receive the shot.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Havrix interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer medicine. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).

  • Tell your doctor if you have a cold or the flu, especially if you have a fever. You may need to wait until you are well to receive this vaccine.

  • Your first shot of the vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks before you may be exposed to the hepatitis A virus. If you already have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus or if you need longer-term protection, you may receive an immune globulin shot when you get the hepatitis A vaccine.

  • Tell your doctor if you or your child are allergic to latex. The needle cover and the rubber plunger of the prefilled syringe contain dry natural latex rubber, which may cause an allergic reaction in people with a latex allergy.

  • This vaccine may not protect you against hepatitis A infection if you are already infected with the virus at the time you receive the shot.

  • This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after you get the injection.

Havrix side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

  • Fever of 99.5 degrees F or higher.

  • Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.

  • Chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

  • Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness.

  • Headache.

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or upset stomach.

  • Pain, redness, swelling, itching, bruising, or a lump where the shot was given.

  • Mild skin rash.