On Feb. 22, 1995, the first inactivated hepatitis A vaccine, distributed by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration for use in persons aged greater than or equal to 2 years to prevent hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection.

Three intramuscular doses of the pediatric formulation are recommended for patients aged 2 to 18 (an initial dose, a second dose 1 month later, and a third at 6 to 12 months); adults required only two IM doses 6 to 12 months a part, and should be administered by intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle.