Hepatitis B is a serious infection which is transmitted by contact with infected blood or body fluids. Infection may result in acute hepatitis with jaundice, but more often results in the development of a chronic carrier state which may have no associated symptoms (and for which there is no treatment). Carriers pass on the infection for many years and are at a high risk of developing chronic active hepatitis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted by sharing injection equipment, needle-stick injury, sexually or from a carrier mother passing it on to her child at birth or while breast feeding.
Since 2000, Hepatitis B has been part of the routine Immunisation Schedule for Children, with doses given at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months. Older children and adults can be immunised – 3 injections are required, with injections 1 and 6 months after the first dose. Subsequent ‘boosters’ are not normally required.
People at high risk of infection (e.g. health care workers and those with reduced immunity) can have a blood test after vaccination to ensure that the course has been effective.
Hepatitis B is also available in combination with hepatitis A vaccine.
Since 2000, Hepatitis B has been part of the routine Immunisation Schedule for Children, with doses given at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months. Older children and adults can be immunised – 3 injections are required, with injections 1 and 6 months after the first dose. Subsequent ‘boosters’ are not normally required.
People at high risk of infection (e.g. health care workers and those with reduced immunity) can have a blood test after vaccination to ensure that the course has been effective.
Hepatitis B is also available in combination with hepatitis A vaccine.
The Vaccine:Hepatitis B is not a live vaccine.
Since 2000, Hepatitis B has been part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, with doses given at birth, 2, 4 and 6 months. Older children and adults can be immunised – 3 injections are required, with injections 1 and 6 months after the first dose. Subsequent ‘boosters’ are not normally required. Hepatitis B is also available in combination with Hepatitis A vaccine. People at high risk of infection (e.g. health care workers and those with reduced immunity) can have a blood test after vaccination to ensure that the course has been effective There is no benefit, or harm, in vaccinating Hepatitis B carriers. Hepatitis B vaccine can be given during pregnancy. |
Recommended for:The following people are strongly advised to be immunised for Hepatitis B:
The vaccine should not be given if there has been a serious reaction to previous Hepatitis B Vaccine, or if there is a severe allergy to yeast. |
Adverse Reactions:Adverse reactions are infrequent – most often feeling off-colour and soreness at the site of injection.
Fever is uncommon. |