- Possible side effects
- Who should not use
- How to use
- Hepatitis B vaccine in pregnancy
- Groups with higher risk of exposure
The hepatitis B vaccine is indicated for immunization against infection by all known subtypes of the hepatitis B virus in adults and children. This vaccine induces the formation of antibodies against the hepatitis B virus and is part of the child's basic vaccination schedule.
Unvaccinated adults can also get the vaccine, which is recommended especially for healthcare professionals, people with hepatitis C, alcoholics and individuals with other liver diseases.
The hepatitis B vaccine is produced by different laboratories and is available at vaccination centers and clinics.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur after the vaccine is administered are irritability, pain and redness at the injection site, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, malaise and fever.
Who should not use
The hepatitis B vaccine should not be administered to people with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formula.
In addition, it should also not be administered to pregnant or lactating women, unless recommended by the doctor.
How to use
Children: The vaccine should be administered intramuscularly, in the anterolateral thigh.
- 1st dose: Newborn in the first 12 hours of life, 2nd dose: 1 month old, 3rd dose: 6 months old.
Adults: The vaccine should be administered intramuscularly, in the arm.
- 1st dose: Age not determined, 2nd dose: 30 days after the 1st dose, 3rd dose: 180 days after the 1st dose.
In special cases, the interval between each dose may be shorter.
Hepatitis B vaccine in pregnancy
The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent contamination by the hepatitis B virus and, consequently, to pass it on to the baby, so all pregnant women who have not received the vaccine should take it before get pregnant.
If the benefits outweigh the risks, the vaccine can also be taken during pregnancy and is recommended for pregnant women who have not been vaccinated or who have an incomplete vaccination schedule.
Groups with higher risk of exposure
People who were not vaccinated against hepatitis B when they were children should do so in adulthood, especially if they are:
- Health professionals; Patients who frequently receive blood products; Workers or residents of institutions; People most at risk due to their sexual behavior; Injecting drug users; Residents or travelers to areas with high endemicity of the hepatitis B virus; Babies born to mothers carrying hepatitis B virus; Patients with sickle cell anemia; Patients who are candidates for organ transplantation; People in contact with patients with acute or chronic HBV infection; Individuals with chronic liver disease or at risk of developing it (Anyone who, through of your work or lifestyle, may be exposed to the hepatitis B virus.
Even if the person does not belong to a risk group, they can still be vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus.
Watch the following video, the conversation between nutritionist Tatiana Zanin and Dr. Drauzio Varella, and clarify some doubts about the transmission, prevention and treatment of hepatitis:
