Hepatitis B Vaccination
Prevent hepatitis B through vaccination
The term 'hepatitis' means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by viruses or other infectious agents, alcohol, and other chemicals. The two viruses that most commonly infect the liver are the hepatitis A virus, the hepatitis B virus and the hepatitis C virus. Although their names are similar, these viruses are not related. They differ in the way they are transmitted from person to person, and their ability to cause chronic infection.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are spread by the transfer of infected blood or serum (for example, through needle sticks, blood transfusions, hemodialysis, sharing needles for intravenous drug use, and childbirth). Hepatitis B also is spread through sexual intercourse and may be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Inadvertent exposure to infected blood or body fluids may occur during tattooing, body piercing, or when sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.
Vaccination against hepatitis B
Although there is no vaccination against hepatitis C, hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine contains a protein that stimulates the body to make protective antibodies. Three doses (given at 0, 1, and 6 months) are necessary to assure protection. In the United States, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants at birth. Older children and adolescents should receive the vaccine if they did not receive it at birth. Adults in high-risk situations (such as healthcare workers, dialysis patients, high-risk public safety workers, injection drug users, men who have sex with men, persons with multiple sex partners, and sexual partners of infected individuals) also are advised to receive hepatitis B vaccine. Vaccination provides long-term immunity in people who respond to the vaccine.
All pregnant women should have blood drawn to determine if they are infected. Infants born to infected mothers should receive hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccines at birth. This is 85% to 95% effective in eliminating the risk of hepatitis B infection in the infant.
Side effects of the vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccines are effective and safe. Up to 95% of vaccinated individuals develop protective antibodies when they get the vaccine and are protected from infection with hepatitis B. A blood test for hepatitis B antibodies is recommended after vaccination to ensure that antibodies have been produced. For the few who do not form antibodies, revaccination may improve the response, especially in infants. Side effects from the vaccine usually are mild, primarily soreness at the site of injection. The risk of serious allergic reactions is less than one per million doses.
