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Where Do I Get Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis B Vaccine

Why Are Adults 19 to 59 Recommended to Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine is used to prevent hepatitis B. Its usually provided in three doses.

The first dose can be taken on a date you choose. The second dose must be taken 1 month later. The third and final dose must be taken 6 months after the first dose.

Some people may need two or four doses of this vaccine.

There is also a newer hepatitis B vaccine thats offered in two doses.

How Is The Hepatitis B Vaccine Made

People are protected against hepatitis B virus infection by making an immune response to a protein that sits on the surface of the virus. When hepatitis B virus grows in the liver, an excess amount of this surface protein is made. The hepatitis B vaccine is made by taking the part of the virus that makes surface protein and putting it into yeast cells. The yeast cells then produce many copies of the protein that are subsequently used to make the vaccine. When the surface protein is given to children in the vaccine, their immune systems make an immune response that provides protection against infection with the hepatitis B virus.

The first hepatitis B vaccine was made in the 1980s by taking blood from people infected with hepatitis B virus and separating or purifying the surface protein from the infectious virus. Because blood was used, there was a risk of contaminating the vaccine with other viruses that might be found in blood, such as HIV. Although contamination with HIV was a theoretical risk of the early, blood-derived hepatitis B vaccine, no one ever got HIV from the hepatitis B vaccine. That is because the blood used to make vaccine was submitted to a series of chemical treatments that inactivated any possible contaminating viruses. Today, there is no risk of contaminating the vaccine with other viruses because the surface protein is manufactured in the laboratory.

What To Do If You Miss A Scheduled Dose

The recommended schedule for the HBV vaccine follows a three-dose pattern, with all doses complete within 6 months. The good news is that if you miss a dose, you to start the series of shots all over.

If you missed getting the second dose 1 month after the first, make an appointment as soon as possible. If you miss the third dose, you should also try to get it as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that the second and third doses

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How Do You Catch Hepatitis B Virus

Blood from a person infected with hepatitis B virus is heavily contaminated with the virus. As a result, contact with blood is the most likely way to catch hepatitis B. Even casual contact with the blood of someone who is infected can cause infection.

Healthcare workers are at high risk of catching the disease, as are intravenous drug users and newborns of mothers infected with the virus. Sexual contact can also expose people to infection. The virus is also present in low levels in saliva.

Hepatitis B Vaccination In Pregnancy

Hepatitis B Vaccine, Hep B Vaccine,     in Parel ...

Hepatitis B infection in pregnant women may result in severe disease for the mother and chronic infection for the baby.

This is why the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for pregnant women who are in a high-risk category.

Theres no evidence of any risk from vaccinating pregnant or breastfeeding women against hepatitis B.

And, as its an inactivated vaccine, the risk to the unborn baby is likely to be negligible .

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How Common Is Hepatitis B

One U.S. study following trends in hepatitis B infection over a three-year periodfound that 4.3% of the population had a past or present HBV infection.

Estimates suggest that about 240 million people around the world have chronic hepatitis B. Up to 1.89 million people in the United States have a chronic HBV infection.

Persons With Chronic Diseases

Refer to Immunization of Persons with Chronic Diseases in Part 3 for additional general information about vaccination of people with chronic diseases.

Chronic renal disease and patients on dialysis

People with chronic renal disease may respond sub-optimally to HB vaccine and experience more rapid decline of anti-HBs titres, and are therefore recommended immunization with a higher vaccine dose. Individuals undergoing chronic dialysis are also at increased risk for HB infection. In people with chronic renal disease anti-HBs titre should be evaluated annually and booster doses using a higher vaccine dose should be given as necessary.

Neurologic disorders

People with conditions such as autism spectrum disorders or demyelinating disorders should receive all routinely recommended immunizations, including HB-containing vaccine.

Chronic liver disease

HB immunization is recommended for non-immune persons with chronic liver disease, including those infected with hepatitis C, because they are at risk of more severe disease if infection occurs. Vaccination should be completed early in the course of the disease, as the immune response to vaccine is suboptimal in advanced liver disease. Post-immunization serologic testing may be used to confirm vaccine response.

Non-malignant hematologic disorders

Persons with bleeding disorders and other people receiving repeated infusions of blood or blood products are considered to be at higher risk of contracting HB and should be offered HB vaccine.

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What Is Hepatitis B And What Are The Symptoms

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It is one of several types of viral hepatitis, which are all contagious and can cause similar symptoms.

Symptoms of hepatitis B virus infection may not appear for weeks or even months after infection. When they do appear, they may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes .

If left untreated, hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis , liver cancer, and even death. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but it can be controlled with medication and a healthy lifestyle.

Possible Side Effects Of Hepatitis B Vaccination

Should adults be vaccinated against Hepatitis B – Dr. Ravindra B S

You may experience minor side effects following vaccination. Most reactions are mild and last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.

Common side effects of hepatitis B vaccines include:

  • pain, redness and swelling at injection site
  • occasionally an injection-site lump

Talk to your vaccination provider about possible side effects of hepatitis B vaccines, or if you or your child have possible side effects that worry you.

The Consumer Medicine Information available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website lists the ingredients and side effects of each vaccine.

Learn more about the possible side effects of vaccination.

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Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices provide recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine. The following include persons recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccination :

  • Adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B:
  • Persons at risk for infection by sexual exposure

  • Sex partners of persons testing positive for HBsAg
  • Sexually active persons who are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship
  • Persons seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted infection
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Persons at risk for infection by percutaneous or mucosal exposure to blood

  • Persons with current or recent injection drug use
  • Household contacts of persons testing positive for HBsAg
  • Residents and staff members of facilities for persons with developmental disabilities
  • Health care and public safety personnel with reasonably anticipated risk for exposure to blood or blood-contaminated body fluids
  • Persons on maintenance dialysis, including in-center or home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and persons who are predialysis
  • Persons with diabetes at the discretion of the treating clinician
  • International travelers to countries with high or intermediate levels of endemic hepatitis B virus infection
  • Persons with hepatitis C virus infection
  • Persons with chronic liver disease
  • Persons with HIV infection
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    Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B infection can cause many serious health complications. The good news is that there is a safe and effective vaccine available to help prevent this disease. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults, including those who are at risk for exposure to the virus. This includes people who work in healthcare or public safety, anyone who has ever been diagnosed with hepatitis C, people with HIV, and those who have ever injected drugs. The vaccine is also recommended for adults over the age of 60, as they are more likely to develop serious complications from the virus.

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    Vaccines For Hepatitis A & B

    You may have a family member who has viral hepatitis. Or perhaps you recently saw a news brief about a celebrity who contracted hepatitis A or B. Whatever the reason, you want information about a viral illness that you may not have thought much about. What is viral hepatitis? Are you at risk for it? Do you need viral hepatitis vaccines?

    Indications For Hepatitis B Vaccine

    Hepatitis B. Immune Globulin, Hep B Vaccine,     in ...

    HepB vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination .

    HepB vaccine also is indicated for adults who have not been previously vaccinated when any of the following is present:

    • A desire for protection from hepatitis B in people who have not been previously vaccinated

    • A sexually active lifestyle in people who are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship

    • Need for evaluation or treatment of a sexually transmitted infection

    • Current or recent use of illicit injection drugs

    • Sex between men

    • Employment in which workers may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids

    • Diabetes in people < 60 years and sometimes in those 60 years

    • End-stage renal disease

    • Household contact and/or sexual contact with people who are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen

    • Travel to endemic areas

    • Time spent in correctional facilities or in facilities that provide sexually transmitted infection treatment, HIV testing and treatment, drug abuse treatment and prevention services, services to injection-drug users or men who have sex with men, or care for patients with developmental disabilities or with end-stage renal disease

    • Pregnant women if at risk of infection or severe outcome resulting from infection during pregnancy

    The combination HepA and HepB vaccine can be used in people 18 years who have indications for either hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccine and who have not been previously vaccinated with one of the vaccine components.

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    Why Is The Hepb Vaccine Recommended

    People who dont know they’re infected can spread the hepatitis B virus. So it cant be avoided just by being careful. That’s why health experts recommend that all babies get the vaccine right from birth.

    The HepB injection usually creates long-term immunity. Most infants who get the HepB series are protected from hepatitis B infection beyond childhood, into their adult years.

    Eliminating the risk of infection also decreases risk for cirrhosis of the liver, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer.

    Is Hep A Curable

    There’s currently no cure for hepatitis A, but it normally gets better on its own within a couple of months. You can usually look after yourself at home. But it’s still a good idea to see your GP for a blood test if you think you could have hepatitis A, as more serious conditions can have similar symptoms.

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    What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis A And B

    Not all infected adults will experience symptoms. That means you could contract hepatitis A or B, and spread the viruses to others, without realizing it.

    Symptoms of hepatitis A may include*:

    Fever

    Jaundice

    Loss of appetite

    Dark urine

    Fatigue

    * TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.

    Possible consequences of hepatitis A.*Hepatitis A infection can have mild to severe consequences on infected individuals that can last from a few weeks to several months.

    Chronic hepatitis and carrier states are not linked with hepatitis A infection.

    However, relapsing hepatitis, a condition where a person gets worse again after a period of improvement, can last up to a year in 15% of cases.

    While most infected people recover, the older you are, the more severe hepatitis A can be.

    Approximately 25% of infected adults are hospitalized.

    The overall case fatality rate, which is the proportion of deaths among the number of hepatitis A cases, is approximately 0.5%, but can reach 2.6% in adults over 60 years of age.

    * TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.

    Symptoms of hepatitis B may include*:

    Fatigue

    Jaundice

    Loss of appetite

    Dark urine

    Clay-coloured stool

    * TWINRIX is not indicated to treat the symptoms of, or reduce serious consequences associated with hepatitis A and B.

    People With Diabetes Have Twice The Chance Of Becoming Infected With This Liver Disease

    Addressing Adult Patients Hepatitis B Vaccine Concerns with Dr. Sandra Leal

    by Michelle Crouch, AARP, Updated September 10, 2021

    Getty Images

    En español | Even though there’s an effective vaccine to prevent it, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 862,000 Americans are living with chronic, long-term hepatitis B, with the infection causing thousands of of cases of liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer ever year.

    The virus attacks the liver silently at first, so many people don’t realize they are infected until decades later, when the virus has already done extensive damage or caused liver cancer, says John Scott, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and associate medical director of the Hepatitis and Liver Clinic at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. It’s a bad cancer, it can be very aggressive, Scott says.

    While children are routinely vaccinated against hepatitis B, which can be spread from mother to baby at birth, it’s only recommended for certain groups of adults including diabetics and only 16 percent of Americans age 50 or older have received the vaccine.

    Because children are vaccinated, the virus is more commonly spread through sexual contact or by sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injection equipment. The opioid epidemic has caused a spike in the number of cases.

    AARP Membership -Join AARP for just $12 for your first year when you enroll in automatic renewal

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    How To Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B vaccines come as a single vaccine or as a combination vaccine that also protects against other diseases.

    Hepatitis B vaccines include:

    * Indicates National Immunisation Program vaccine.

    Your vaccination provider will tell you which vaccine they will give you.

    Find product information and consumer medicine information for each available vaccine from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

    Super Discounts For Students On Vaccines And Blood Titers

    e7 Health offers a complete array of student health services including vaccinations, school physicals, TB skin testing, drug screening and blood titer testing for immunity. How do students save money with our services?

  • We offer student discounts for all school vaccines.
  • You can have your vaccines, TB skin test, physicals and titers all in one place.
  • We waive the administrative/office fee for students for all school vaccines. Other clinics can charges up to $25 administrative fee per visit. This can add $75 extra to a three-shot series like hepatitis B Vaccine.
  • We can review students’ vaccination records and offer ONLY the vaccines needed based on the school’s requirements which can help save time and money.
  • We can draw blood titers inhouse for vaccines you may already have had or been exposed to, as proof for your school. This can be a fraction of the cost of getting the vaccine again. We email you the results!
  • Our titer prices are up to 50% lower than most labs.
  • We can help students complete vaccines for clinical rotations or school deadlines by scheduling vaccines in a series in advance. We even send you an email reminder when your next vaccine is due!
  • Unlike some clinics, we read the results of both steps of a 2-step TB skin test. If positive on the 1st-step, then you do not need to pay or have a 2nd-step.
  • We have same day or next day appointments available!
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    For Adults And Children

    This vaccine schedule involves three doses within 2 months, followed by a booster dose at 1 year.

    The initial accelerated doses provide immediate protection from HBV, and the booster dose helps provide long-term protection.

    Below is the accelerated vaccination schedule approved for both adults and children:

    Vaccine series
    2 months after the first dose 1 year after the first dose

    How And When Do Doctors Give Vaccines

    0.5ml Revac

    For the hepatitis A vaccine:

    You should get two doses, given as shots, 6 months apart for complete protection. The virus in the vaccine is killed .

    Children should get the first dose between 12 and 23 months of age. Children older than age 2 can get the first dose at their next doctorâs visit.

    If you need the vaccine because of upcoming travel, get it at least 1 month before you go.

    For the hepatitis B vaccine:

    For long-lasting immunity, you need three to four doses, depending on which type of vaccine is used. You get them as shots.

    Children should get their first dose at birth and complete the series by age 6 months. Usually, the baby would get a second dose at 1 month old and the third dose at 6 months.

    Babies born to women who have hepatitis B need a shot of hep B antibodies, as well as their first hep B vaccine shot, when theyâre born. They will also need follow-up blood tests to make sure theyâre OK.

    Catch-up vaccinations are recommended for children and teens who were never vaccinated or who did not get all three shots.

    If you’re an adult who wants to be vaccinated, you should talk about it with your doctor or pharmacist. If you are considering both vaccines, ask your doctor about vaccines that combine hep A and B.

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