Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus attacks the liver. The disease can cause:
HBV is spread through the blood of an infected person.
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people in the US will get infected with HBV sometime during their life. Certain factors increase the risk of developing hepatitis B, including:
About 30% of people with hepatitis B will not have symptoms. For people who do, symptoms may include:
Symptoms generally occur about 12 weeks after exposure. They can occur anywhere from 9-21 weeks after exposure. Most hepatitis B infections clear up within 1-2 months without treatment. But when an infection lasts more than six months, it can develop into chronic hepatitis B. This can lead to serious complications, even death.
Chronic hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral drugs.
The hepatitis B vaccine is produced by inserting a gene for HBV into yeast. The yeast is grown, harvested, and purified. The vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle.
Everyone age 18 and younger and adults over the age of 18 who are at risk should get the vaccine. Adults who are at risk include:
Three doses are given. Newborns receive the first dose before leaving the hospital. If the mother is infected with the virus, the dose is given within 12 hours of birth. The second dose, for all infants, is given at 1-2 months of age, and the third dose at 6 months of age.
Children and adults who have not been previously vaccinated should have an interval of at least 1 month between the first and second dose. The third dose should be given at least 2 months after the second. For children aged 11-15 years, there is a 2-dose series available, called Recombivax HB.
All vaccines are capable of causing serious problems, such as a severe allergic reaction.
Most people who get the hepatitis B vaccine do not have problems. Some may have mild problems, including soreness where the shot was given and fever.
Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) is sometimes given to reduce pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. In infants, the medicine may weaken the vaccine's effectiveness. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen with the doctor.
You should not get the vaccine if you:
Other than getting the hepatitis B vaccine, the best methods of preventing an HBV infection include:
In the event of an outbreak, all susceptible people should be offered the vaccine.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/
National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
References:
Hepatitis B. National Center for Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/. Accessed February 6, 2007.
Hepatitis B CIB. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/factvax.htm. Accessed February 6, 2007.
Hepatitis B vaccination. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hepb/default.htm. Accessed February 6, 2007.
Vaccine information statements. Immunization Action Coalition website. Available at: http://www.immunize.org/vis/. Accessed February 6, 2007.
1/31/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0-18 years—United States, 2008. MMWR. 2008;57;Q1-Q4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5701a8.htm. Updated January 10, 2008. Accessed January 28, 2008.
10/30/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Prymula R, Siegrist C, Chlibek R, et al. Effect of prophylactic paracetamol administration at time of vaccination on febrile reactions and antibody responses in children: two open-label, randomised controlled trials. Lancet. 2009;374(9698):1339.
Last reviewed November 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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