FDA Approval of VAQTA® (Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated) for Children Aged >1 Year

On August 11, 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an application of a pediatric/adolescent formulation of VAQTA® (hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated) (Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, New Jersey) for use among persons aged 12 months--18 years. Previously, the pediatric/adolescent formulation of VAQTA was approved for use in persons aged 2--18 years. The approved labeling change applies only to VAQTA and not to other licensed hepatitis A vaccines.