Prevention of Hepatitis B

Prevention of Hepatitis B
Medical Tutors Limited
March 5, 2020

12:24 PM

Summary
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. More than 1 billion doses of the hepatitis B vaccine have been given worldwide.

The best way to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV infection) is to be vaccinated through the Hepatitis B vaccine. Getting this vaccine is the best way of preventing the virus from infecting a normal and healthy person. Over one billion Hepatitis B vaccines have been used all over the world and it has shown to be effective in over 95% cases of Hepatitis B virus.

The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that is recommended by WHO for all infants at birth within 24 hours of their birth; and for children up to 18 years. The hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for adults living with diabetes and those at high risk for infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Routine infant immunization against hepatitis B has increased globally with an estimated coverage (third dose) of 84% in 2017. The low prevalence of chronic HBV infection in children less than 5 years of age, estimated at 1.3% in 2015, can be attributed to the widespread use of hepatitis B vaccine. In most cases, 1 of the following 2 options is considered appropriate: 

  • A 3-dose schedule of hepatitis B vaccine, with the first dose (monovalent) given at birth and the second and third doses (monovalent or combined vaccine) given at the same time as the first and third doses of diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus – (DTP vaccine); or
  • A 4-dose schedule, where a monovalent birth dose is followed by 3 monovalent or combined vaccine doses, usually given with other routine infant vaccines.

It’s important to note that, it is impossible to get the hepatitis B virus from the vaccine. This is because All hepatitis B vaccines that have been used since 1986 are made synthetically – meaning the hepatitis B vaccines do not contain any blood products.

Aside children who are 5 years and below, hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for the following individuals:

  • Adolescents not vaccinated at birth.
  • Those who work or live in a center for people who are developmentally disabled.
  • People who live with someone who has hepatitis B.
  • Health care workers, emergency workers and other people who come into contact with blood.
  • Anyone who has a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV.
  • Men who have sex with men.
  • People who have multiple sexual partners.
  • Sexual partners of someone who has hepatitis B.
  • People who inject illegal drugs or share needles and syringes.
  • People with chronic liver disease.
  • People with end-stage kidney disease.
  • Travelers planning to go to an area of the world with a high hepatitis B infection rate.

There are various ways in which individuals can prevent their risk of hepatitis B virus, and they include:

Know The HBV Status Before Sex: Before engaging in any form of sexual activity with any partner, it is important to know their status unless one is absolutely sure that they are not infected with the hepatitis B virus. Also status of other sexual transmitted infection should also be noted.

Use of Condom: Making use of a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex is also important if the status of your partner is unknown. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of contracting HBV, they don't eliminate the risk of contracting the virus.

Illegal Drug Abuse: For individuals that abuse the use of illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin etc; seeking help on how to stop the usage is advisable. But if the abuse is unstoppable, use a sterile needle each time you inject these illegal drugs. Never share needles with any other persons.

Take Caution While Getting Tattoo or Piercing: If an individual plans to get a piercing or tattoo, look for a reputable shop. Make enquiries about how the equipment is sterilized and kept.

Inquire About The Hepatitis B Vaccine Before Traveling: Whenever an individual is traveling to a region where hepatitis B is common, try and make findings about the hepatitis B vaccine in advance. It's usually given in a series of three injections over a six-month period.

Conclusion

There is a persistent question whether Hepatitis B is curable; individuals must understand that there is no cure for hepatitis B. But again, the virus often goes away in a few months, and it sometimes disappears in people who have a chronic case of the disease.

 

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