AVAXIM® can help protect you from Hepatitis A

Vaccination with AVAXIM® helps prevent hepatitis A infection in persons 12 years of age or older. You will receive 1 injection in the shoulder muscle. For long-term protection, a booster dose is required within 6 to 36 months following the first injection.

The majority of persons who are vaccinated with AVAXIM® will produce enough antibodies to help protect them against Hepatitis A. However, as with all vaccines, 100% protection cannot be guaranteed. Persons with a weakened immune system, whether from disease or treatment, may not obtain the expected protection from the vaccine.

Immunization is an important measure in preventing hepatitis A, but nevertheless travellers are advised to avoid risky food and drink that can be contaminated.
Ask your healthcare provider about ways to protect yourself from exposure to diseases transmitted by consuming contaminated food and water. (This includes ice cubes and water used for personal hygiene, e.g., tooth brushing.)

Learn more about Hepatitis A

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Travellers are at the greatest risk of Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a risk in popular travel destinations including: Asia (excluding Japan for hepatitis A), Africa, the Caribbean (for typhoid fever), and Central and South America.

World map with moderate to high risk areas for hepatitis A highlighted

How is Hepatitis A spread?

In endemic areas, these diseases can be transmitted through contaminated food and drink. Hepatitis A can also be spread through close contact with someone who has it.

This is why it’s important for you to be mindful of what food and drinks you consume when travelling. Whether you are planning on backpacking, visiting friends and relatives, or relaxing at 5-star resorts, the risk of exposure is still there.

Solo backpacker sightseeing

How can I protect myself?

AVAXIM® vaccination is an effective method for helping prevent hepatitis A infection in individuals aged 12 years and older. A single injection will be administered in the shoulder muscle. To ensure long-term protection, a booster shot is required between 6 to 36 months after the initial injection.

While most individuals who receive AVAXIM® vaccination will develop enough antibodies to help protect them against hepatitis A, it should be noted that no vaccine can provide 100% protection. Those with a weakened immune system, whether due to illness or treatment, may not receive the expected protection from the vaccine.

Immunization is an important measure in preventing hepatitis A, but it is not 100% protective. Travellers are advised to practice safe food and water precautions. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to protect yourself from exposure to diseases transmitted by consuming contaminated food and water. (This includes ice cubes and water used for personal hygiene, e.g., tooth brushing.)

Who should be vaccinated?

Individuals travelling to a hepatitis A risk area should consider receiving AVAXIM®. The vaccine is not for the treatment of hepatitis A infection.

Do not vaccinate in:

  • children under 12 years of age. Please ask your healthcare provider for the suitable option for those under 12;
  • anyone with a known allergy to the vaccine or any of its components;
  • anyone ill with an acute disease or high fever. Wait until you are well before having the vaccine. A minor illness with no fever, or low-grade fever is not usually a reason to defer immunization;
  • vaccination in pregnancy is not recommended unless there is a definite risk of acquiring hepatitis A. Pregnant women should discuss the benefits versus the risks of AVAXIM® vaccination with their healthcare provider.
Group eating food

Possible side effects to know about

Side effects reported after vaccination with AVAXIM® are usually mild and short lasting. The most common local reaction is mild pain at the injection site, occasionally associated with redness.

Some people may develop systemic reactions such as fever, weakness, headache, muscle or joint ache or gastrointestinal tract disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects that may occur after receiving AVAXIM®.

Will I ever need another AVAXIM® vaccination?

For long-term protection, a booster dose is recommended between 6 and 36 months after the first dose.

AVAXIM® is an effective vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis A infection. It was not shown to reduce death, symptoms and hospitalization associated with hepatitis A.

Ask your healthcare practitioner about the AVAXIM® vaccine

    AVAXIM® is a vaccine that is used to prevent hepatitis A infection. This vaccine may be given to persons 12 years of age or older. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that is spread from person to person through drinking water or eating food with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) in it. It is also spread by close personal contact. It is more common in areas of the world with poor sanitation. Hepatitis A can cause a mild illness, but about 1 person in 5 has to be hospitalized and sometimes people die as a result of hepatitis A. The majority of persons who are vaccinated with AVAXIM® will produce enough antibodies to help protect them against this disease. However, as with all vaccines, 100% protection cannot be guaranteed.

    AVAXIM® causes the body to produce its own natural protection against hepatitis A infection. After you receive the vaccine, your body begins to make substances called antibodies. Antibodies help the body to fight disease. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with the germ that causes this disease, the body is usually ready to destroy it.

    These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking AVAXIM®. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional. A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems. Serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, including shock) can always happen, even if they are very rare. If you experience an allergic reaction, contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. The risk of AVAXIM® causing serious harm is extremely small. The risks associated with AVAXIM® are much less than the risks associated with getting the diseases. These side effects usually go away within a few days. Serious side effects are very rare. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if AVAXIM® is right for you or a family member. For more information, visit www.sanofi.ca.