You must be wondering about two hepatitis vaccines because the Hepatitis B vaccine is mandatory. Now, what about Hepatitis A?
We will try to answer those questions along with their complications, spread, symptoms, and ways of prevention in babies. We will also take a look at the Hepatitis A vaccine for babies, why it is recommended, and when your baby can get it.
In This Article
- What is Hepatitis A? Can Babies Get Hepatitis A?
- What are the Other Types of Hepatitis?
- Hepatitis A Vaccine for Babies- Schedule and Dosage
- Who Should Avoid the Hepatitis A Vaccine for Babies?
- What if You Missed a Dose?
- Side Effects of the Hepatitis A Vaccine for Babies
- Care Before and After Getting the Vaccine
What is Hepatitis A? Can Babies Get Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral disease. It is an infection or inflammation of the liver. It is the most common type of hepatitis infection that a baby can get. If a baby gets infected, it shows symptoms very late, after almost a month. And because of that, it can be fatal sometimes. It can cause liver failure.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A are:
- Feeling drained out
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Jaundice
- Itchy skin
- Dark pee and pale feces
Babies get Hepatitis A because of poor hygiene and care. The virus lives in the feces of an infected person. Vegetables that are grown in contaminated water, dirty water lobsters, and shellfish can also be the reasons behind the infection.
What are the Other Types of Hepatitis?
There are three types of hepatitis – Hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis A is the least dangerous type of infection, and the baby can recover in a month or so. Hepatitis B and C are the more serious diseases, and they can lead to long-term liver infections.
The chances of a baby being infected by Hepatitis B or C are rare. It is more common among adults. But if the mother has the disease, the baby can be born with the infection.
You can prevent Hepatitis A and B infections by taking their vaccines and maintaining hygienic conditions around the baby. The vaccine for Hepatitis C is yet to be formulated. We will now go into depth about Hepatitis A Vaccine for babies.
Hepatitis A Vaccine for Babies- Schedule and Dosage
Hepatitis A vaccine is not a compulsory vaccine in India. But it is recommended. Not only can it protect the baby from the infection, but it can also prevent outbreaks of the disease if most of the people in a community are vaccinated.
The minimum age for a baby to get the Hepatitis A vaccine is 12 months. The baby will need a second dose, a booster shot, after six months of the first dose.
Hepatitis A vaccine is an intramuscular injection on the upper arm. For babies, the dose is 0.5 ml.
Who Should Avoid the Hepatitis A Vaccine for Babies?
If your baby is sick with a cough, cold, or fever, you can delay getting the vaccine. As the baby is already weak because of the illness, it should not get the vaccine.
You should avoid the second dose of the vaccine if your baby had an allergic reaction after the first dose of the vaccine. Babies who are allergic to the contents of the vaccine should also avoid the vaccine.
You can check with your doctor about the allergies before vaccinating your baby.
What if You Missed a Dose?
The baby can get the first dose anytime when it is between 12 to 23 months old. So, as long as you can get the vaccine between this time, it is okay.
If you miss the booster dose after six months of the first dose, you can get it whenever it is possible the next time.
Side Effects of the Hepatitis A Vaccine for Babies
With every vaccine, side effects are a given. Some of the common Hepatitis A vaccine side effects are:
- Swollen lump at the injection site
- Slight redness or soreness
- Fever
- Headache
- Feeling exhausted
- Reduced diet
If your baby has an allergic reaction to the vaccine, it can face difficulty in breathing, fast heartbeat, swelling of the throat and face, dizziness, or weakness. You should immediately seek medical help if any of these things happen after getting the vaccine.
Care Before and After Getting the Vaccine
If you decide to get your baby Hepatitis A vaccine, you will have to take care of the baby before and after it gets the vaccine:
Before Vaccinating
Make sure that the baby is not ill in any way. Cold, fever, cough, and other viral infections are not good signs. Let the baby get completely healthy and then get the vaccine. Consult a doctor about the allergies that the baby might have. You do not want an allergic reaction after getting the vaccine as it can be dangerous.
After Vaccinating
The most important care after the baby gets the vaccine is combating the side effects. They can make the baby irritable and uncomfortable. You can comfort the baby by holding it in your arms and going for a walk. You can ask your doctor for baby pain relievers if your infant is in too much discomfort.
If the side effects are intense and stay for more than usual, you should see the doctor.
We hope this article helped with your doubts about the Hepatitis A vaccine. It is not a compulsory vaccine, but we recommend getting it as it can prevent a fatal liver infection in your baby.
Read Also: Chickenpox and its Vaccine for Babies
