Sanofi has announced the launch of AVAXIM Junior in the UK, a travel vaccination for children to protect against the hepatitis A virus.

AVAXIM Junior is an inactive hepatitis A vaccine indicated for use in children from the age of 12 months, up to and including 15 years old.

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Rebecca Catterick, UK and Ireland Sanofi vaccines general manager, commented that hepatitis A was ‘one of the most prevalent travel-related vaccine-preventable diseases’.

‘The availability of effective options like AVAXIM Junior will offer parents peace of mind knowing that they can help protect their children when travelling to high-risk areas,’ she added.

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Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus and is the most common form of viral hepatitis, as well as the third most common vaccine-preventable infection among travellers.

It is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person, and has a higher prevalence in developing countries with poor sanitary conditions and hygiene practices, according to the World Health Organization.

Sanofi’s AVAXIM is already available as a hepatitis A vaccination for adults, alongside Havrix Monodose and VAQTA Adult. However, in terms of hepatitis A vaccines for children, Havrix Junior Monodose and VAQTA Paediatric have been available in the UK until now.

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Read how Sehul Patel, owner and superintendent pharmacist at Coopers Pharmacy in Sutton, Surrey, maximises his travel health clinic.