Hepatitis B Vaccine

About

The Hepatitis B vaccine is a crucial medical tool for preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is highly recommended for all infants at birth and for individuals at risk due to their occupation, lifestyle, or travel to areas with high HBV prevalence. The vaccine is produced using recombinant DNA technology, ensuring it cannot cause HBV infection itself. It is administered in a series of doses, typically three for infants and children, and can be given in a two-dose schedule for adults. The effectiveness of the Hepatitis B vaccine is high, offering 80 to 100% protection against infection or clinical hepatitis B in those who complete the series. It is safe and has been extensively studied, with no evidence linking it to serious side effects like neurological disorders. Common side effects are mild and include injection site reactions. The vaccine is particularly important for travelers to regions with high HBV prevalence, especially if they engage in high-risk activities such as unprotected sex, receiving unsterile medical procedures, or sharing needles. It provides lifetime protection against this preventable chronic liver disease.