Immunisation for hepatitis B is given either as one injection or in combination with diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Babies, children and adults are all at risk of catching hepatitis B as the virus is passed on from mother to baby through the blood stream, and through transfer of blood (e.g. cuts, school sores) and sexual activity. How good is the protection offered by this vaccine? About 95% of children show a good response to three doses of the vaccine. It is better to immunise for hepatitis B at a younger age as the response in people over the age of 40 is not as effective. What about side effects? Immunisation for hepatitis B is very safe. Some people get redness and soreness at the site of injection. Some people get diarrhoea or feel unwell for a short time. About Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the world. This is the first anti-cancer vaccine. Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Hepatitis B can be passed on to others (by blood or unprotected sex). Babies can catch hepatitis B from their mothers before or during the birth. Children can catch hepatitis B at school and in playgrounds. This probably occurs in the playground, from cuts and grazes, or from contact with skin infections such as school sores. Hepatitis B can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Children who catch hepatitis B tend to be less ill initially than adults who catch it, but get more long term problems later in life. When a mother is Hepatitis B positive All pregnant women in New Zealand are offered a blood test to see if they are chronic, infectious carriers of the hepatitis B virus. If they are, their babies are at great risk of catching the virus and becoming chronic carriers. Babies born to infectious mothers are immunised very soon after birth. They are also given an injection of antibodies to the hepatitis B virus to stimulate the baby’s immune system to fight off the hepatitis B virus. Vaccines are prescription medicines. Talk to you nurse, doctor or midwife about any risks and the benefits of immunisation. |
