From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
In Alberta, a 5-year-old female is not routinely recommended to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine as part of the standard childhood immunization schedule, unless specific risk factors are present, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. The Hepatitis A vaccine is only recommended for specific risk groups, including:
- Children traveling to countries where Hepatitis A is endemic
- Those with chronic liver disease
- Those who live in communities with high rates of Hepatitis A
- During outbreaks If vaccination is indicated based on risk factors, the recommended vaccine is either Havrix or Vaqta, administered as a two-dose series. For a 5-year-old, the pediatric formulation should be used:
- Havrix 720 ELISA units (0.5 mL)
- Vaqta 25 units (0.5 mL) per dose, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first dose. The vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection in the deltoid muscle. Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, headache, or fatigue, as reported in a study on the efficacy and safety of Hepatitis A vaccine in children and young adults with autoinflammatory diseases 1. Hepatitis A vaccination provides long-term protection by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the Hepatitis A virus, which is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, typically through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. It is essential to note that the most recent study 1 supports the efficacy and safety of the Hepatitis A vaccine in children with autoinflammatory diseases on biologic therapy, which may be relevant for some patients in this age group. However, the primary consideration for vaccination should be based on the individual's risk factors and not solely on their medical condition. In the absence of specific risk factors, the routine vaccination schedule should be followed, and the Hepatitis A vaccine should not be administered unnecessarily, as supported by the study on hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations 2.