Hepatitis B Vaccination

Patient Education

What is Hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B virus attacks the liver and causes further damage. Most people having the virus do not present with any symptoms (carrier state).

Hepatitis B virus can infect the liver and cause short term condition (acute) like Liver Infection. It can persist in the body for a long duration (chronic) and cause Chronic Liver Damage or in some cases, Cancer of the liver.

How is Hepatitis B virus spread?

Hepatitis B virus has various modes of transmission.

• Most common method is from an infected mother to newborn (vertical transmission).
• It can spread through infected close contacts by sharing of personal items.
• It can spread by touching open cuts and sores of an infected individual.
• Sexual transmission from an infected individual is another mode of transmission.

How is the Hepatitis B Vaccine given?

Hepatitis B vaccine is given intramuscularly.

What is the Schedule for Hepatitis B Vaccination?

1^st Dose Hepatitis B-1 (BD) vaccine should be administered within 24 hours of birth.

2^nd Dose is administered at 6 weeks in combination with other vaccines.

3^rd Dose is administered at 10 weeks in combination with other vaccines.

4^th Dose may be administered at 14 weeks in combination with other vaccines.

Is the Hepatitis B vaccine safe to use?

Yes, the Hepatitis B virus is considered safe.

Side effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine?

In some cases, side effects can occur presenting as mild symptoms like low grade fever, soreness near site of injection or mild pain. Majority of the individuals who get the Hepatitis B vaccine do not have any side effects. There are no serious side effects noted to occur by the Hepatitis B virus.

Whom to give?

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to be given to all infants and children.

Whom not to give?

Children who had a severe allergic reaction during a previous vaccine dose of Hepatitis B vaccine cannot take the vaccine. Children with severe allergy to any component of the vaccine cannot take the vaccine.