Hepatitis B vaccination protects you and your family against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a viral infection in the liver. The virus, known as the hepatitis B virus, can induce lifelong infection, cancer, and death.
Hepatitis B vaccination is available for all ages. It is recommended for all newborns, children, and adolescents under the age of 19 who have not been immunized, adults aged 19 to 59, and elders 60 and older who have potential risks for hepatitis B infection. Adults aged 60 and up with no known risk factors for hepatitis B may also obtain the vaccine.
Who Should Get The Hepatitis B Vaccination?
All infants should be immunized against hepatitis B. This is because the infection in babies can last for many years and ultimately result in complications, including scarring of the liver or cancer.
The 6-in-1 vaccine given to all babies at eight, twelve, and sixteen weeks of age encompasses a hepatitis B vaccine. Babies who are at risk for getting hepatitis B from their mothers are given an additional dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, four weeks, and one year.
Individuals who are at risk of getting hepatitis B or who have experienced severe complications should consider getting vaccinated.
Among these groups are:
- individuals who often modify their sexual partners
- individuals who inject drugs
- children born to infected mothers
- men having sex with men
- close relatives or sexual partners of someone infected with hepatitis B
- people suffering from diseases
- people who require regular blood transfusions or blood products, as well as their caregivers
- sex workers, both male and female
- people visiting high-risk countries
What Is Involved In Hepatitis B Vaccination?
To be fully protected, you must receive three injections of the hepatitis B vaccination at the designated intervals. Babies born to hepatitis B-infected mothers will receive six doses of hepatitis B-containing vaccine to guarantee long-term protection.
If you are a hospital worker or have a medical issue, you will be scheduled for an appointment to determine whether you responded to the immunization. If you were immunized by your company’s health service, you could request a blood test to see if you were immune to the vaccine.
