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- What is Hepatitis B?
- How can we prevent Hepatitis B infection?
- How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
- Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe?
- Are there any side effects?
- Is there anyone who should not receive the immunisation?
- Can a person who has eczema be safely immunised with the hepatitis B vaccine?
- Would an asthmatic person have any problems with the hepatitis B vaccination?
- Can a person who has or has just recovered from sorethroat/cough/fever receive the hepatitis B immunisation?
- Does a person who has already received hepatitis B immunisation need a booster vaccine?
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis means inflammation or 'swelling' of the liver. Hepatitis B is the most serious type of viral hepatitis.
It can cause acute disease resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, vomiting and
extreme fatigue for several weeks. Some individuals may have an acute infection with no symptoms.
How can we prevent Hepatitis B infection?
The most effective strategy to control hepatitis B infection is through hepatitis B immunisation of infants
and young children as early in life as possible to prevent infection.
The hepatitis B vaccine, which is the first vaccine against liver cancer, is safe and effective.
How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
Hepatitis B is transmitted in one of the following ways by:
- blood.
- close personal or sexual contact.
- from pregnant mothers to their babies.
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Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe?
The Hepatitis B vaccine has been shown to be very safe. It has been available since 1982.
The vaccine is made using recombinant DNA technology, and does not contain any live components of the hepatitis B virus.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects are pain at the injection site and mild to moderate fever.
Serious side effects reported after receiving hepatitis B vaccine are very uncommon.
There is no confirmed scientific evidence that the vaccine causes long term or chronic illnesses.
There is no risk of hepatitis B infection from the vaccine.
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Is there anyone who should not receive the immunisation?
Those who have severe allergic reaction to yeast, found in bread and cakes, should check
with their doctor before getting immunised as the vaccine is yeast-based.
Can a person who has eczema be safely immunised with the hepatitis B vaccine?
A person who has mild to moderate eczema should not have any problems receiving the vaccination.
If a person has severe eczema, he/she should check with this/her doctor for advice. For the hepatitis B
immunisation programme in schools, a child with mild eczema should be able to receive the vaccination in school.
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Would an asthmatic person have any problems with the hepatitis B vaccination?
There should not be any problems with an asthmatic person receiving the hepatitis B vaccination.
Can a person who has or has just recovered from sorethroat/cough/fever receive the hepatitis B immunisation?
If a person is feeling unwell, he/she should check with a doctor before taking the immunisation.
Does a person who has already received hepatitis B immunisation need a booster vaccine?
In general, a person who completes the full three-dose course according to the recommended schedule and
dosage does not require boosters.
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