Hepatitis B vaccines help to prevent infection caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
Hepatitis B can lead to serious liver disease, and is spread by direct contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected person. It can also spread by sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors with an infected person. A baby whose mother is infected may become infected at birth unless the necessary vaccines are done.
Common symptoms of Hepatitis B include jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and joint pain.
As part of the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), all children should receive three doses at appropriate intervals.Infants should get their first dose at birth and will usually complete the series by 6 months of age, however sometimes it may take longer than 6 months to complete the series.
As part of the Singapore National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), adults (18 years or older) who have not been previously vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection or immunity should receive three doses (the first dose, followed by the second and third dose at one month and six months after the first dose).
Common side effects include:
Rare but serious side effects include:
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should inform your healthcare professional immediately.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
It is usually given by injection into a muscle, or sometimes under the skin.
It is given as a series of three doses under the NCIS and the NAIS.
Under the NCIS, the Hepatitis B vaccine may be given on its own as one shot, or in combination with other vaccines (e.g. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio and Hib) as one shot.
A booster dose may be required in certain patients with specific medical conditions such as kidney problems (e.g. on haemodialysis) or a weak immune system.
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