Havrix 720 Vaccine
Havrix 720 is a pediatric vaccine used to protect children against hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This vaccine is specifically designed for children aged 12 months to 15 years and helps prevent illness caused by contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person.

Pharmaceutical Properties
Havrix 720 contains:

• 720 ELISA units of inactivated hepatitis A virus antigen

• Aluminum hydroxide adjuvant to enhance the immune response

It is a non-infectious, inactivated vaccine, meaning the virus is killed and cannot cause the disease. The vaccine is a suspension for intramuscular injection, typically given in the thigh for younger children or the deltoid muscle for older children.

Indications for Use
Havrix 720 is indicated for:

• Children aged 12 months to 15 years

• Routine immunization against hepatitis A

• Children traveling to areas with high hepatitis A risk

• Outbreak control or exposure in schools or childcare settings

• Children with chronic liver disease or other medical vulnerabilities

It is often recommended before travel or as part of public health campaigns to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

Mechanism of Action
Havrix 720 works by exposing the immune system to an inactivated form of the hepatitis A virus. This allows the body to develop protective antibodies without causing infection.

When the vaccinated child encounters the live virus in the future, the immune system can quickly recognize and fight it, preventing illness. The inactivated virus in Havrix is completely safe and unable to replicate or cause hepatitis A.

Clinical Protocol in Dubai
In Dubai, Havrix 720 is administered according to standard pediatric vaccination protocols, especially for children in at-risk groups or those traveling to endemic regions. The typical dosing schedule includes:

• First dose: From 12 months of age

• Second dose (booster): 6 to 12 months after the first dose

This two-dose series ensures long-term protection. The vaccine may be given alone or alongside other routine childhood vaccinations, with proper spacing as advised by pediatricians.

Other Characteristics
Havrix 720 is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Mild redness or soreness at the injection site

• Low-grade fever

• Irritability, tiredness, or loss of appetite

Serious side effects are rare. The vaccine contains no preservatives, no live virus, and is considered safe for immunocompromised children under medical supervision.

Conclusion
Havrix 720 is a reliable and safe vaccine designed to protect children from hepatitis A, a preventable yet highly contagious liver infection. In Dubai, it is part of the broader pediatric immunization efforts and is particularly important for families planning international travel or living in communal environments. Administering Havrix 720 according to the recommended schedule provides long-lasting immunity and plays a key role in public health protection.