Hepatitis B

Background of Illness

Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus, the main routes of infection are blood bone contact like sharing needles, through vaginal or anal intercourse and perinatal transmission from mother to child, it is a much more serious illness than Hepatitis A. About 20-25% of people infected from Hepatitis B virus can develop chronic liver disease leading to Cirrhosis.

Vaccine Facts

Hepatitis B is given to people who are likely to come into contact with blood and other bodily fluids eg. laboratory workers, dentists, doctors and other workers who are likely to come into contact with blood born products. The programme of vaccination is three injections given at 0, 28 days and six months, but an accelerated course can be given to those especially at risk at 0, 7 and 28 days. Reinforcing injection needs to be given around five years after primary injection.

Complications

Contraindications are previously confirmed as anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components and some people get mild fatigue, local tenderness at site of injection.