Hepatitis B Vaccine

Its a Viral infection Caused By Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, Use of contaminated Needles, from a mother to her baby during pregnancy.

A infected Mother can Breastfeed her baby without any risk of infecting as Hepatitis B cannot be transmitted in Breastmilk.

Risks with Hepatitis B infection

Hepatitis B can cause a short-term illness with loss of appetite, Vomiting, loose stools, jaundice. Such symptoms are common among adults. Children who become infected usually do not have these symptoms but develop a long term infection. Chronic (long-term) infection which is more serious and can lead to liver damage, liver cancer and in few cases death. These patients can spread hepatitis B virus to others, even if they don’t look or feel sick.

Vaccination Schedule

Babies normally get 3-4 doses of hepatitis B vaccine:

There are TWO schedules which can be followed, Both have equal efficacy
Schedule 1:
1st Dose: Birth
2nd Dose: 1-2 months of age
3rd Dose: 6-18 months of age

Schedule 2:
1st Dose: Birth
2nd Dose: 1-2 months of age
3rd Dose: 2-3 months of age
4th Dose: 4-6 months of age

No boosters are recommended after initial 3/4 doses

Hepatitis B vaccine is also available in combination of DPT/HIB/IPV vaccines and combination vaccines which are equally effective and can be used to save a separate prick to the child.