Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a severe viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually transmitted from mother to child during the birth and childhood of the child. It can also spread in contact with infected blood and other physiological fluids during unprotected sexual contact.
Chronic hepatitis B infection is a significant global health concern, in which hundreds of millions of people live with disease. Each year, there are over one million new infections, often because individuals are unaware that they are risk or unsafe. Fortunately, this infection can be prevented to a large extent through proper vaccination and awareness.
While individual hygiene, safe sex practices, and shared needles are effective preventive measures, the most reliable form of protection is Hepatitis B vaccine. Given at the right time, this vaccine can provide long -term protection and significantly reduce the risk of old infections.
How the Hepatitis B Vaccine Works
Hepatitis B vaccine is designed to protect individuals from infection by Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can cause long -term liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. It works by introducing a harmless part of the virus to the body, which motivates the immune system to create a defense against it.
This vaccine trains the body to identify and respond to the exterior protein layer of the virus, which provides protection from all known types of the virus. The immune response triggered by the vaccine can last for decades. Although it was once believed that it provides protection for only 8 years, research now shows that it can remain effective for at least 25 years, especially in individuals who complete the full vaccine course.
Not everyone develops the same level of immunity. Older adults, some medical conditions such as celiac disease, and a person who misuse alcohol or alcohol may have a weak response. However, even in these cases, vaccination still provides a level of protection that can be a life -saving.
Importance of the Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent a potentially living liver disease. It is recommended for all infants immediately after birth and is recommended for children and adults up to 18 years of age. In addition, high-risk adults should also consider the medical status, lifestyle, or job related exposure-optics.
Often known as the first “anti-cancer” vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent liver cancer by preventing hepatitis B infection, which is the main cause of this cancer worldwide. The vaccine has no live virus and is produced artificially, ensuring that it is safe and free from any blood products.
Those who are already infected with HBV or have recovered from previous infections will not benefit from the vaccine, as it does not cure the virus. However, for those who are not infected, the vaccine provides lifelong protection. The only way to determine the test is whether anyone has currently recovered from HBV infection.
Who Should Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
Everyone faces some risk of hepatitis B exposure during their lifetime, making universal vaccination a prudent choice. However, certain groups are at higher risk and should prioritize getting vaccinated. These include:
- Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B
- All newborns and unvaccinated children under 19
- Sexual partners of people with hepatitis B
- Individuals with multiple sexual partners
- People seeking treatment for STIs
- Men who have sex with men
- People who inject drugs
- Household contacts of infected individuals
- Healthcare and emergency workers exposed to blood
- People with chronic liver disease or hepatitis C
- Individuals with HIV
- People with diabetes (as per provider’s assessment)
- Residents and staff in facilities for those with developmental disabilities
- Dialysis patients
- Travelers to regions where hepatitis B is prevalent
Vaccination is also recommended for anyone who wants protection against HBV, regardless of whether they identify with a specific risk group.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
The hepatitis B vaccine is widely available through healthcare providers, local clinics, and public health departments. To achieve full protection, all three doses of the vaccine must be administered.
The typical vaccine schedule is as follows:
- First Dose: Any time (ideally at birth for newborns)
- Second Dose: At least 1 month (28 days) after the first dose
- Third Dose: At least 4 months after the first dose and 2 months after the second dose. For infants, this should be at 24 weeks of age or older.
If any dose is missed, you do not need to restart the entire series. Simply continue from where you left off. For example, if only the first dose was received, the second and third doses can be completed according to the correct intervals.
To confirm that the vaccine has worked, a simple blood test called an “antibody titer” can be done. This test checks if your body has built up enough immunity to protect against hepatitis B.
