What is Hepatitis B Infection and disease?

Hepatitis B virus causes carrier state without any symptoms, acute jaundice (infection of liver), chronic progressive liver damage and cancer of the liver. In India, 1.6% to 4% of the population carry this virus in their blood.

This virus has many ways of spreading from one to another:

From the infected mother to the new born. This is the most common mode of spread and without appropriate preventive measures, a good number of infected infants go on to develop liver disease and liver cancers. This is called “Vertical transmission” and is eminently preventable with timely vaccination, beginning in the new born period.

From infected family members or close contacts by sharing of articles like toothbrushes and razors

By sexual spread from an infected partner.

By using Hepatitis B vaccine appropriately, Hepatitis B infection can be prevented very effectively.

What is the schedule of the Hepatitis B vaccine?

The 1 dose is administered within 24 hours of birth as a single component vaccine.

The 2 and subsequent doses are administered at 6-10-14 weeks in combination with DPT/Hib/IPV.

For older children and adults, the vaccine is administered in a schedule of 0-1 month –6 months.

There is no need for booster doses of this vaccine as the initial 3-4 doses confer almost life-long protection.

What is the schedule for babies who are born to mothers who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus?

For babies born to mothers who are positive for the Hepatitis B virus in their blood, it is essential that the new born receive a special injection known as the Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) as soon as possible after birth along with the regular schedule of the vaccine as mentioned above. This schedule is ~ 95% effective in preventing the transmission of the virus to the new born.

Is it a safe vaccine?

Yes, except for some reactions at the site of vaccination and low-grade fever, the vaccine is safe.

Who should receive this vaccine?

All infants and children should receive this vaccine.

Who should not receive this vaccine?

Children who had a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, after a previous vaccine dose, or have any known severe, life threatening allergies to any vaccine component