Hepatitis B Vaccine
About Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B Vaccine belongs to the group of medicines called 'immunizing agents' primarily used to prevent hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is a disease that occurs when the hepatitis B virus attacks the liver and causes infection. It can lead to liver cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
Hepatitis B Vaccine contains ' Hepatitis B vaccine.' It works by exposing the body to a small dose of virus or its protein when injected. Thereby, it helps provide immunity or resistance against the hepatitis B virus. The viral vaccine can be inactivated/killed virus (inability to replicate) or attenuated/live (cannot cause the disease but can induce an immune response).
Hepatitis B Vaccine will be administered by a healthcare professional. Common side effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine are headache, irritability, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, fever, redness, tenderness and pain at the injection site. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines and yeast, multiple sclerosis (disease affecting the nervous system), kidney problems, long-term liver diseases, and HIV/AIDS. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine. Hepatitis B Vaccine may make you feel weak or tired and drowsy; hence drive only when you are mentally alert. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for children only when prescribed by the doctor.
Uses of Hepatitis B Vaccine
Medicinal Benefits
Hepatitis B Vaccine is an immunizing agent that contains hepatitis B vaccine.' It is used to prevent hepatitis B infection. It works by exposing the body to a small dose of virus (live, attenuated, inactivated or killed), thus providing immunity or resistance against the disease. Inactivated viral vaccines contain the whole virus, but they do not have the ability to replicate.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Redness, tenderness and pain at the injection site
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis B: It is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is highly contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through intimate contact with the infected person, direct contact with infected blood, through a contaminated needle, using an infected razor/other personal items, or from mother to baby during birth. The virus can live for up to 7 days outside the body. Chronic hepatitis B develops slowly, and the symptoms may not be clear unless complications develop. The symptoms of hepatitis B may appear after three months of exposure to the virus and can last for 2 to 12 weeks. The complications of chronic hepatitis B include liver failure, liver cancer or liver cirrhosis (scarring). Hepatitis B can be prevented by taking the vaccination.
FAQs
Hepatitis B Vaccine contains hepatitis B vaccine. When injected, Hepatitis B Vaccine releases a small dose of virus or its protein into the body, further providing immunity against hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis B Vaccine should be used with caution in the medical history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines and yeast, immune system disorders, multiple sclerosis, bleeding or blood clotting disorder, fainting, kidney problems, dialysis, long-term liver diseases, HIV/AIDS, and fits. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical concerns before starting Hepatitis B Vaccine.
If you have shown a severe allergic reaction after the first shot, you should not get the next shot since it may be life-threatening. Please consult your doctor for more information.
You can take other vaccines along with Hepatitis B Vaccine if you do not have any allergic reactions. If you take other vaccines and Hepatitis B Vaccine, they should be given by separate syringes and at different injection sites.
You may experience flu-like symptoms and fever after getting vaccinated with Hepatitis B Vaccine. This is a common side effect that occurs after every vaccine. Your fever gradually decreases after 1-2 days. Your doctor may also suggest fever and pain medication if required. However, please reach out to your doctor if the fever persists after three days.
The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and also it provides long-term protection against the virus. On the other hand, hepatitis B immunoglobulin contains antibodies that act against HBV, and it is given when immediate protection against the virus is needed.
