This is a vaccine that helps protect against hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a virus.
VAQTA is listed under Health Canada DIN 02229702. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
VAQTA
DIN
02229702
Vaccine
Hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated
Presentation
50 U / 1 mL · suspension · intramuscular · 18 years and older
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
This is a vaccine that helps protect against hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a virus.
It is given as two injections, a first dose and a booster later on, for long-term protection.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional about any past severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, to latex, or to the antibiotic neomycin, since these are related to ingredients in this vaccine.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have a weakened immune system or are taking medicine that suppresses your immune system, since the vaccine may not work as well.
Tell your healthcare professional if you currently have a fever or acute illness, since your vaccine may need to be delayed.
This vaccine does not protect against other types of hepatitis, and because of how slowly hepatitis A symptoms appear, it may not prevent illness if you were already infected right before vaccination.
How it is given
This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle, usually in the upper arm or, in young children, the thigh, by a healthcare professional.
Food timing does not apply to this vaccine, since it is not taken by mouth.
You will need a first dose and a booster dose later on for full, long-lasting protection.
Important things to know
Like all vaccines, this one can rarely cause a serious, whole-body allergic reaction.
Very rarely, a nerve condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome has been reported after this vaccine.
Very rarely, problems with balance and coordination or brain inflammation have been reported.
Very rarely, a temporary drop in platelet count, which can increase bruising or bleeding, has been reported.
Effects you may notice
Pain, tenderness, or soreness where you had the injection is very common.
Redness or swelling at the injection site is common.
Bruising at the injection site may occur.
Fever is common, especially in young children.
Irritability may occur in young children.
Headache is common in adults.
Tiredness or general weakness may occur.
Loss of appetite may occur in young children.
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur.
Sore throat or a mild upper respiratory infection may occur.
Muscle aches may occur in adults.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your healthcare professional if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding after vaccination.
Contact your healthcare professional if fever, injection site symptoms, or tiredness are severe or do not improve after a few days.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, or sudden trouble breathing.
Get emergency help for any unusual neurological symptoms, such as sudden weakness, loss of coordination, or confusion, after vaccination.
Other medicines and vaccines
Tell your healthcare professional about any medicine that weakens your immune system, since it can reduce how well the vaccine protects you.
Food does not affect this vaccine, since it is not taken by mouth.
Key points to remember
You need both the first dose and the booster dose for full protection, so keep your follow-up appointment.
Tell your healthcare professional about any allergies, especially to latex or neomycin, before vaccination.
Mild soreness, redness, and tiredness after vaccination are normal and usually go away within a few days.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Hepatitis A — adult and adolescent two-dose series
2 doses
Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine, the second 6 to 36 months after the first depending on the product.
Adult products: HAVRIX 1440 for 19 years and older (dose 2 at 6 to 12 months), AVAXIM for 12 years and older (dose 2 at 6 to 36 months), VAQTA adult for 18 years and older (dose 2 at 6 to 18 months). One dose gives protective antibody in nearly all recipients; the second gives long-term protection.
Hepatitis A — weakened immune system, two doses
2 doses
Standard two-dose hepatitis A series; the response may be reduced.
Hepatitis A vaccine may be given to immunocompromised people; the response may be reduced but the vaccine still offers some protection. Immune globulin may be considered for pre- and post-exposure protection, and blood testing after immunization may be considered where available.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.