Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B Vaccine

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus, which can be transmitted through blood and various bodily fluids. The following are ways that the virus can be contracted:

• • Infected mother to her newborn during childbirth
• • Unprotected sex with an infected person
• • Sharing needles or other injection drug equipment with an infected person
• • Sharing tattoo or piercing equipment with an infected person
• • Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors with an infected person
• • Accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings
• • Contact with blood or bodily fluids contaminated with the Hepatitis B virus through an open wound

In addition, the Hepatitis B virus can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells, and if left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B virus infection

There are two phases of Hepatitis B virus infection:

• Acute phase:

Symptoms usually appear within 1-4 months after infection. They include fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes, pain in the lower right side of the ribcage, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, rash, joint pain, and muscle pain. In some cases, the destruction of liver cells may lead to severe symptoms, and acute hepatitis may improve within 1-4 weeks and return to normal when the body can eliminate and control the hepatitis virus, which usually takes less than 3 months. However, a small percentage of patients (5-10%) are unable to completely eliminate the virus from their body, leading to chronic hepatitis B infection.

• Chronic phase:

Patients can be divided into 2 groups:

- Carrier: Patients who have hepatitis B virus in their body but do not have any symptoms. They can still spread the infection to others. Blood tests show normal liver function.

- Chronic hepatitis: Patients who have hepatitis B virus in their body and show abnormal liver function test results.

Most patients do not have symptoms, but some may experience fatigue or loss of appetite. Chronic infection is common in children infected at birth and can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.

Who should receive the hepatitis B vaccine?

Children and Adolescents:

• All Thai children should receive a series of three hepatitis B vaccine shots.
• • • Shot 1: at birth
• • • Shot 2: at 1-2 months old
• • • Shot 3: at 6-18 months old
• For infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers (especially if HBeAg is also positive), HBIG (Hepatitis B Immune Globulin) should be given within 12 hours of birth, along with the first vaccine shot. The second shot should be given at 1-2 months old, and the third shot at 6 months old.
• If combination vaccines for hepatitis B and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis are used, they can be given at 2, 4, and 6 months old, after the first shot.
• For children who have never received the vaccine before, those under 11 years old can receive the vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months old. Those aged 11-15 years old may receive only two shots, at 0 and 4-6 months old, using a vaccine dose of 1.0 mL, similar to that given to adults.

Adult

• An adult is a person who has not yet received a vaccine for hepatitis B virus and is at risk of infection, such as:
• Individuals who have sexual contact with a person who is infected with hepatitis B virus
• Men who have sex with men
• Individuals who inject drugs
• Individuals who have multiple sexual partners
• Individuals with chronic liver disease or kidney disease
• Individuals with diabetes who are under 60 years old
• Medical personnel who come into contact with blood or various body fluids
• Family members of individuals infected with hepatitis B virus
• Individuals traveling to countries where hepatitis B virus is endemic
• Individuals with HIV infection
• Pregnant women who are at risk can also receive the vaccine.

Who should not receive hepatitis B vaccine:

• • Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine or its components that could be life-threatening
• • Individuals who are currently sick should wait until they recover before getting vaccinated

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following adverse events, even though the risk of serious adverse events from the vaccine is very low:

• Unusual symptoms such as severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, high fever, rash, swollen face, or rapid heartbeat.

With best wishes,

Vibhavadi Hospital Vaccination Center.