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.

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.

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.

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