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VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe

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About the medicine

How to use VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe

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This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.

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Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

VAQTA 25Units/0.5ml

Injectable suspension in a pre-filled syringe

inactivated, adsorbed hepatitis A vaccine

For children and adolescents

Read all of this leaflet carefully before this vaccine is given to you or your child, because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
  • This vaccine has been prescribed for you or your child. Do not pass it on to others.
  • If you or your child experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if you think they are not serious, or if they are listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the pack

  1. What VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml is and what it is used for
  2. What you need to know before you are given VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml
  3. How to use VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml
  4. Possible side effects
  5. Storage of VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml
  6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml is and what it is used for

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml is a vaccine. Vaccines are used to protect against infectious diseases by making the body produce its own protection against the disease they are aimed at.

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml helps to protect children from 12 months to 17 years of age against disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis A is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver. It can be caught from food or drink that contains the virus. Symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and general feeling of being unwell.

When you or your child receive an injection of VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml, the immune system (the body's natural defenses) will start to produce protection (antibodies) against the hepatitis A virus. However, it usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks from the time you or your child receive the injection until you are protected.

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml does not prevent hepatitis caused by other infectious agents than the hepatitis A virus.

Also, if you or your child are already infected with the hepatitis A virus at the time VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml is given, the vaccine may not prevent the disease.

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml protects against hepatitis A, but it cannot cause a hepatitis A infection.

Doctor consultation

Not sure if this medicine is right for you?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

2. What you need to know before you are given VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml

It is important to inform your doctor or nurse if any of the following apply to you. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your doctor or nurse.

Do not use VAQTA 25U/0.5ml

  • If you or your child are allergic to the active substances or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) or to neomycin or formaldehyde (see section "Warnings and precautions").
  • If you or your child have a severe infection with fever. Your doctor will tell you when the vaccine can be given.

Warnings and precautions

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before you are given VAQTA 25U/0.5ml:

  • If you or your child have had a previous allergic reaction to a dose of VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml.
  • This vaccine may contain traces of an antibiotic called neomycin and a substance called formaldehyde, which are used in the manufacturing process of the vaccine and may be present in trace amounts in the vaccine.
  • If you or your child have had bleeding problems that cause easy bruising or prolonged bleeding from minor injuries (e.g., due to a coagulation disorder or treatment with anticoagulant medications).
  • If you or your child have a weakened immune system due to cancer, treatments that affect the immune system, or any other disease. The vaccine may not protect as well as it does people with a healthy immune system. If possible, vaccination should be delayed until treatment or the disease is completed.

It can cause severe allergic reactions because it contains latex in the packaging.

As with other vaccines, VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml may not completely protect all people who are vaccinated.

Please inform your doctor if you or your child have a history of jaundice or have lived in areas where hepatitis A is common. Your doctor will decide if you or your child should have a blood test for hepatitis A antibodies before vaccination.

Using VAQTA 25U/0.5ml with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines.

Using VAQTA 25U/0.5ml with other vaccines

Since VAQTA 25U/0.5ml does not contain live bacteria or viruses, it can be given at the same time as other vaccines, but in different injection sites (another part of the body, for example, the other arm or leg). VAQTA 25U/0.5ml must not be mixed with any other vaccine in the same syringe. Studies have shown that VAQTA 25U/0.5mlcan be given at the same time as vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal, inactivated poliovirus, diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, acellular pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzaeb.

In adults, VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml can be given at the same time as the yellow fever vaccine and the typhoid polysaccharide vaccine.

Using VAQTA 25U/0.5ml with Immunoglobulin (antibodies)

Sometimes, an injection of human immunoglobulin (antibodies) will be given to try toprotect you or your child until the vaccine starts to work. VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml can be given at the same time as immunoglobulin using different injection sites and syringes.

Medicines that affect the immune system or blood

Medicine questions

Started taking the medicine and have questions?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

Please refer to the previous section "".

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, and fertility

If you or your daughter are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this vaccine.

Driving and using machines

There are no data to suggest that VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml affects the ability to drive or use machines.

VAQTA contains sodium

This medicine contains less than 23mg of sodium (1mmol) per dose; this is, essentially “sodium-free”.

3. How to use VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml

Dosage

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml should be administered by doctors or nurses who are trained in the administration of vaccines and equipped to deal with any severe allergic reaction that may occur. The person being vaccinated will receive a first dose followed by a second dose (booster).

First dose

Children between 12 months and 17 years of age should receive a single dose of 0.5 ml of vaccine (25 Units) on the chosen date.

The first dose of vaccine should protect you or your child from hepatitis A virus infection within 2 to 4 weeks.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 12 months.

Second dose (booster)

People who received the first dose should receive a second booster dose of 0.5 ml (25 Units) 6 to 18 months after the first dose.

Long-term protection requires a second dose of the vaccine (booster dose). It has been shown that healthy children who have received two doses have antibody levels that persist for at least 10 years. It is expected that hepatitis A antibodies will persist for at least 25 years after vaccination.

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml is not recommended for people over 18 years of age.

Method of administration

Your doctor or nurse will give you or your child VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml by injection into the muscle of the upper arm (deltoid muscle). The muscle in the outer part of the thigh can be used in children if the deltoid muscle is not sufficiently developed.

People at risk of bleeding after injection (e.g., hemophiliacs) may receive VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml by injection under the skin instead of into the muscle to reduce the risk of bleeding.

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml must not be administered into a blood vessel.

4. Possible side effects

As with all vaccines and medicines, VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

As with all vaccines, it can cause allergic reactions that in rare cases lead to shock. These reactions can include:

  • hives
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, tongue, and throat
  • dizziness
  • collapse

When these signs or symptoms occur, they usually develop very quickly after the injection and while you or your child are still in the clinic or doctor's office. If you experience any of these symptoms after leaving the place where you or your child received the injection, contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY.

Side effects reported in children aged 12 to 23months

Frequency

Adverse events

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 children)

  • pain at the injection site/pain on pressure and redness at the injection site

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 children)

  • swelling at the injection site, warmth at the injection site, bruising at the injection site
  • fever
  • irritability
  • diarrhea

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 children)

  • decreased or lost appetite
  • sleep problems, sleepiness, feeling of tiredness-drowsiness, lack of energy, restlessness
  • crying
  • runny nose, cough, nasal congestion
  • vomiting
  • rash, diaper dermatitis
  • feeling unwell
  • lump at the injection site, rash at the injection site

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 children)

  • multiple allergies
  • dehydration
  • agitation, nervousness, fear, screaming
  • dizziness, headache, loss of balance
  • crusts on the eyelid margin
  • asthma, obstructed airways, sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, sore mouth and throat
  • nausea, stomach pain/discomfort, gas in stomach or intestine, frequent bowel movements, belching, infant reflux, constipation, change in stool color
  • rash, itching, and redness of the skin, blisters, sticky or hot skin, sweating
  • joint swelling
  • at the injection site: bleeding, itching, change in color, lump or rash with itching, pain, discomfort
  • fatigue, abnormal gait, feeling of heat

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)

  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arm, legs, and upper body)
  • Thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelet count that increases the risk of bleeding and bruising)

Side effects reported in children and adolescents, aged 2 to 17years

Frequency

Adverse events

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 children)

  • pain at the injection site/pain on pressure

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 children)

  • headache
  • warmth at the injection site, redness, and swelling, fever, bleeding under the skin at the injection site (ecchymosis)

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 children)

  • irritability
  • dizziness
  • stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea
  • rash, itching
  • pain in the arm (in the limb where the injection was given), joint pain, muscle pain
  • weakness/tiredness, itching at the injection site, and pain/discomfort

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 children)

  • loss of appetite
  • nervousness
  • sleepiness, abnormal sensations in the skin, such as tingling
  • ear pain
  • flushing
  • runny nose, nasal congestion, cough
  • hives, sweating
  • stiffness
  • at the injection site: hardening (hard tissue), flu-like illness, chest pain, pain, feeling of heat, crust at the injection site, stiffness/tightness, and itching

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)

  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arm, legs, and upper body)
  • Thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelet count that increases the risk of bleeding and bruising)

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if you think they are not serious, or if they are listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml

Keep this vaccine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this vaccine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after CAD or EXP. The expiry date is the last day of the month shown.

Store in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze.

Do not use this vaccine if you notice anything unusual or if it contains any foreign particles (see section 6).

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.

6. Container contents and additional information

Composition of VAQTA25U/0.5ml

The active ingredients are:inactivated hepatitis A virus (produced in human diploid MRC-5 cells, adsorbed on amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate).

One dose (0.5 ml) contains 25 U of inactivated hepatitis A virus adsorbed on amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate (0.225 mg of Aluminum).

The other excipients are:sodium borate, sodium chloride, and water for injectable preparations.

Appearance of the product and container contents

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml is presented in a pre-filled syringe with or without a needle containing a 0.5 ml dose of injectable suspension. The presentation with the pre-filled syringe without a fixed needle may be presented with 1 or 2 separate needles in the secondary packaging material.

The following package sizes are registered:

Packages with 1 or 10 pre-filled syringes

Only some package sizes may be marketed.

After vigorous shaking, VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml is a white opaque suspension.

Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer

Marketing authorization holder:

Laboratorios Abelló, S.A.

Josefa Valcárcel, 42

28027 Madrid

Manufacturer:

Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.

Merck Manufacturing Division

Waarderweg 39, PO Box 581

2003 PC Haarlem

Netherlands

Local Representative:

Merck Sharp & Dohme de España, S.A.

C/ Josefa Valcárcel, 42

28027 Madrid

Spain

Tel.: 91 3210600

This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:

Member State

Name

Austria

VAQTA K pro infantibus

Belgium, Luxembourg

VAQTA JUNIOR 25 U/0.5 ML

Portugal

VAQTA

Denmark, Finland, France

VAQTA 25 U/0.5 ml

Germany

VAQTA Kinder

Greece

VAQTA 25 U

Ireland

VAQTA PAEDIATRIC

Italy

VAQTA Bambini 25 U/0.5 ml, sospensione iniettabile in siringa preriempita

Netherlands

VAQTA JUNIOR

Sweden

Vaqta

Spain

VAQTA 25 Units/0.5 ml injectable suspension in pre-filled syringe

Date of the last revision of this prospectus:12/2021.

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) (http://www.aemps.gob.es/)

This information is intended only for healthcare professionals:

Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

Instructions for use and handling

The vaccine should be used as presented.

Before administration, the vaccine should be inspected visually for the presence of foreign particles and/or an abnormal physical appearance. Discard the product if particles are present or if discoloration appears. The syringe should be shaken well until a slightly opaque white suspension is obtained.

Thorough shaking is necessary to maintain the suspension of the vaccine. For a syringe without a needle, hold the syringe body and fix the needle by turning it clockwise until it is fully adjusted on the syringe, and administer the vaccine immediately.

Online doctors for VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe

Discuss questions about VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe, including use, safety considerations and prescription review, subject to medical assessment and local regulations.

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Tarek Agami

General medicine 11 years exp.

Dr. Tarek Agami is a general practitioner registered in both Portugal and Israel, with broad experience in family and preventive medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised support for primary care needs, chronic disease management, and everyday health concerns.

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Dr. Agami provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic or Mounjaro) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Portugal and Israel.

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Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicine 18 years exp.

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

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Anastasiia Shalko

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.

Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

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Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a prescription required for VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe?
VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe requires a prescription in Spain. You can check with a doctor online whether this medicine may be appropriate for your situation.
What is the active substance in VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe?
The active ingredient in VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe is hepatitis A, inactivated, whole virus. This information helps identify medicines with the same composition but different brand names.
Who manufactures VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe?
VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe is manufactured by Laboratorios Abello S.A.. Pharmacy brands and packaging may differ depending on the distributor.
Which doctors can assess the use of VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe online?
Doctors such as Family doctors, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Pulmonologists, Nephrologists, Rheumatologists, Hematologists, Infectious disease physicians, Allergists, Geriatricians, Paediatricians, Oncologists may assess whether VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe is appropriate, depending on your situation and local regulations. You can book an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.
What are the alternatives to VAQTA 25 units/0.5ml Injectable Suspension in Prefilled Syringe?
Other medicines with the same active substance (hepatitis A, inactivated, whole virus) include AVAXIM JUNIOR Injectable Suspension in Pre-filled Syringe, AVAXIM Injectable Suspension in Pre-filled Syringe, HAVRIX 1440 ADULT, PRE-FILLED SYRINGE SUSPENSION FOR INJECTION. These may have different brand names or formulations but contain the same therapeutic ingredient. Always consult a doctor before switching or starting a new medicine.
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