Vaqta (hepatitis A virus vaccine/PF)

Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine Intramuscular Syringe (Ml); Intramuscular Vial (Ml)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated vaccine containing cell culture-adapted, inactivated hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that contains cell culture-adapted, inactivated HAV. Hepatitis A virus vaccine is commercially available in the US as monovalent (single-antigen) vaccines (Havrix(R), Vaqta(R)) and in a fixed-combination vaccine with hepatitis B vaccine (HepA-HepB; Twinrix(R)).

Hepatitis A virus, a member of the picornavirus family, is one of multiple hepatitis viruses capable of causing systemic illness with primary hepatic involvement. The average incubation period for HAV is approximately 28 days (range, 15-50 days). The clinical presentation of HAV infection is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic infection to symptomatic icteric hepatitis and, in rare cases, death.

Hepatitis A vaccines stimulate active immunity to HAV infection by inducing production of antibodies to hepatitis A. The presence of anti-HAV antibodies is indicative of immunity and provides protection against subsequent HAV infection; however, the lowest titer required to confer immunity has not yet been clearly established. Natural infection provides lifelong immunity even when anti-HAV antibodies are undetectable.

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) can lead to serious health outcomes such as acute massive hepatic necrosis and chronic active hepatitis. Individuals with chronic HBV infection have an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Havrix(R) is a sterile, inactivated viral suspension derived from the HM175 strain of the HAV, which is cultured in MRC-5 human diploid cells. Following the removal of the culture medium, the cells are lysed to produce a viral suspension. This suspension undergoes purification through ultrafiltration and gel permeation chromatography.

The resulting lysate is treated with formalin to inactivate the virus. The viral antigen content is quantified using a standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and is expressed in ELISA Units (ELU). Each 1-mL adult dose contains 1440 ELU of viral antigen adsorbed onto 0.5 mg of aluminum in the form of aluminum hydroxide.

Each 0.5-mL pediatric dose contains 720 ELU of viral antigen adsorbed onto 0.25 mg of aluminum as aluminum hydroxide.

Vaqta(R) is a sterile, inactivated whole-virus vaccine developed from the CR326F strain of the HAV, which is propagated in human MRC-5 diploid fibroblast cell cultures. The vaccine contains an inactivated viral strain that has been further attenuated through serial passage from an established attenuated strain. The virus is cultivated, harvested, and purified using a combination of physical methods and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques.

It is then inactivated with formalin and adsorbed onto amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate. Each 1-mL adult dose of Vaqta(R) vaccine contains approximately 50 units of viral antigen, 0.45 mg of aluminum (as amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate), and 70 mcg of sodium borate as a pH stabilizer, in 0.9% sodium chloride. Each 0.5-mL pediatric dose of Vaqta(R) vaccine contains approximately 25 units of viral antigen, 0.225 mg of aluminum (as amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate), and 35 mcg of sodium borate, in 0.9% sodium chloride.

Hepatitis A virus vaccine inactivated and hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant) is a fixed-combination vaccine that contains both HAV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens. The commercially available fixed-combination vaccine (HepA-HepB; Twinrix(R)) is a sterile suspension containing the antigenic components used to produce Havrix(R) hepatitis A vaccine and Engerix-B(R) hepatitis B vaccine. Twinrix(R) is a sterile suspension comprising inactivated HAV (strain HM175) and noninfectious hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).

The HAV is cultivated in MRC-5 human diploid cells and subsequently inactivated using formalin. The HBsAg component is produced through the culture of genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) cells that express the surface antigen gene of the HBV. Each antigenic component is adsorbed separately onto aluminum phosphate or aluminum hydroxide and then pooled to form the fixed-combination preparation.

Each 1-mL dose of Twinrix(R) contains 720 units of hepatitis A viral antigen and 20 mcg of HBsAg and also contains 0.45 mg of aluminum (as aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate).

While the absolute minimum concentration of anti-HAV antibodies required to prevent HAV infection has not been definitively established, it is likely to be very low. The levels of anti-HAV achieved through active immunization via vaccination are typically 10-100 times lower than those observed following natural infection. Due to the absence of a clearly defined protective threshold, the lower limit of detection of the specific assay employed is generally considered the protective level.

In post-vaccination studies, a concentration of >=10 mIU/mL is used as the minimum protective level.

Hepatitis A vaccination can lead to the transient appearance of immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-HAV antibodies, particularly when testing is conducted within a few weeks after vaccination. IgM anti-HAV has been detected in 8-20% of adults approximately 2-3 weeks following administration of a single vaccine dose. Lifelong protection might occur after hepatitis A vaccination; however, the exact duration of protection from HAV infection following administration of the vaccines has not been fully defined.

Although there is evidence of waning anti-HAV antibody levels over time, the presence of an anamnestic response following administration of hepatitis A vaccine booster doses suggests sustained immune memory and continued protection against HAV infection. Additionally, cellular immune responses may also play a role in maintaining long-term immunity.

USES: This vaccine is used to help prevent hepatitis A. Hepatitis A infection can be mild with no symptoms or a severe illness that can rarely cause liver failure and death. Vaccination is the best way to protect against this infection.

This vaccine works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the virus. The vaccine is recommended for people aged 12 months and older, especially those at an increased risk of getting the infection. Those at an increased risk include people who live with or spend much time with people with hepatitis A infections, institutional or daycare workers, lab workers, people with multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, sex workers, injecting and non-injecting drug abusers, and people traveling to high-risk areas.

Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.

Generic name: hepatitis A virus vaccine/PF
Pronunciation: (hep-uh-TIE-tuss A)
Drug class: Hepatitis A Virus Vaccine
Therapeutic class: Biologicals

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Vaqta:

  • Hepatitis A Vaccination

Also known as: Vaccination To Prevent Hepatitis A Infection.

Dosing

The recommended dose and dosing schedule for hepatitis A vaccine vary according to the individual's age and specific vaccine administered (Havrix(R) or Vaqta(R) monovalent vaccines or Twinrix(R) fixed-combination vaccine). Dosage recommendations for the specific preparation used should be followed.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the monovalent vaccine chosen for the initial dose should be used for subsequent doses in the same individual whenever possible. If this is not possible or if the manufacturer of previously administered doses is unknown, then the vaccine that is available should be administered. This dose is considered valid; it does not need to be repeated. No differences in immunogenicity have been observed when one dose of hepatitis A vaccine produced by one manufacturer is followed by a dose from a different manufacturer, administered according to the recommended schedule.

When vaccination against both HAV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is indicated in adults 18 years of age or older, the commercially available fixed-combination vaccine containing hepatitis A vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine (HepA-HepB; Twinrix(R)) can be used.

Consult the CDC/ACIP guidance and immunization schedules for additional information including specific detailed recommendations for catch-up scenarios and management of patients with high-risk conditions.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

*Monovalent hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix(R), Vaqta(R)): Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any hepatitis A-containing vaccine, or to any ingredient in the respective vaccine formulation, including neomycin.

*Fixed-combination vaccine containing hepatitis A vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine (HepA-HepB; Twinrix(R)): Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any hepatitis A- or hepatitis B-containing vaccine, or to any component of Twinrix(R), including yeast and neomycin.

Adverse reactions

Havrix(R): In studies of adults and children >=2 years of age, the most frequently reported solicited adverse effects were injection-site soreness and headache.

In studies of children 11-25 months of age, the most frequently reported solicited local reactions were pain and redness, and the frequently reported solicited general adverse reactions were irritability, drowsiness, and loss of appetite.

Vaqta(R): In studies of children 12-23 months of age, the most frequently reported local and systemic adverse effects when the vaccine was administered alone or concomitantly were pain, tenderness, and erythema at the injection site, and fever.

In studies of children and adolescents 2-18 years of age, the most frequently reported adverse effect when the vaccine was administered alone or concomitantly was pain at the injection site.

In studies of adults >=19 years of age, the most frequently reported local and systemic adverse effects when the vaccine was administered alone or concomitantly were pain, tenderness, soreness, or warmth at the injection site, and headache.

Twinrix(R): The most frequently reported local and systemic adverse effects following any dose of the vaccine were soreness and redness at the injection site; headache, and fatigue.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Hepatitis A vaccination
Z23ICD10CMEncounter for immunization

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data