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Hepatitis B Vaccine
What is hepatitis B?
- Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus.
- It is spread by blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluids.
- Symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, body aches, mild fever and yellowing of the skin (jaundice.
- In Canada, 4-6% of the population with acute hepatitis B will die.
- Some infected people become chronic carriers. About 15 - 25% of chronic carriers will die from liver cancer or cirrhosis.
What does hepatitis B vaccine contain?
- Hepatitis B surface antigen.
Recombivax® vaccine contains:
- Aluminum hydroxyphosphat and formaldehyde.
- Multi-dose vials also contains thimerosal.
- Packaging contains latex.
Engerix®-B vaccine contains:
- Aluminum hydroxide and yeast.
- Multi-dose product contains 2-phenoxyethanol and trace amounts of thimerosal.
- The single dose formulation is thimerosal free.
- No latex in packaging.
How effective is hepatitis B vaccine?
- About 97% of those immunized develop protection one month after the last dose of a recommended schedule.
How long does the protection last?
• At least 5-10 years, if not for life, after completing the
appropriate 2 to 3 dose series.
Who should receive vaccine?
- All grade 6 children in Saskatchewan.
- All international travellers.
- Children under 7, recently immigrated to Canada, whose families have come from regions where hepatitis B is common.
- All infants born to mothers who are positive for hepatitis B virus.
- People with bleeding disorders.
- People at increased risk of infection due to occupation (e.g. health care workers), lifestyle or travel to countries at risk.
- People at increased risk of infection due to lifestyle or exposure to blood and body fluids (e.g. sexual assault, needlestick injuries).
- People living in the same home as hepatitis B carriers.
- People with hepatitis C.
- People on kidney dialysis.
- People with HIV.
- People with multiple sexual partners
- People with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, cirrhosis or chronic liver diseases.
- Sexual partners of people with
hepatitis B.
- Transplant recipients.
- Personnel and residents of institutions for mentally-challenged individuals.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
- Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
- People with moderate to severe illness may have to delay
immunization.
- Use with caution in breast-feeding women.
- Anyone who is pregnant should consult with their doctor
before receiving this vaccine.
How is hepatitis B vaccine given?
- By injection into a muscle.
When should hepatitis B vaccine be given?
- A series of three doses, with the second dose given 1 month after the first and the third dose given 5 months after the second.
- Adolescents between 11 to 15 years of age may receive a series of two, double strength doses, 4 to 6 months apart.
- For international travel, begin immunization at least 2 months before departure.
- Some people receiving dialysis may require repeated doses.
- May be safely given with other vaccines.
What might be felt after receiving Recombivax HB®?
Very Common (10% or greater):
- Pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, warmth or a nodule at
injection site.
Common (Between 1% and 10%):
- Tiredness, fever, nausea, diarrhea, headache, upper respiratory infection.
Uncommon (Between 0.1% and 1%):
- Sweating, chills, aching, rash, vomiting, abdominal cramps, lack of
appetite, muscle aches, dizziness, disturbed sleep, lymphodenopathy.
Rare (Between 0.01% and 0.1%):
- Severe local or systemic reactions, rash, itchiness.
Call one of the numbers below if you have severe or unusual reactions.
For more information contact Public Health Services at:
- North Health Centre: (306) 655-4700
- Our Neighbourhood Health Centre: (306) 655-4950
- South East Health Centre: (306) 655-4730
- West Winds Primary Health Centre: (306) 655-4275
- International Travel Centre: (306) 655-4780
© 2008, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(Updated January 4, 2010)
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