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Hepatitis B:
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Hepatitis B - The vaccine
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Table of contents for Hepatitis B
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What is Hep B vaccine?
Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine is a cloudy liquid that is provided in single- or multi-dose vials or in prefilled auto-disable (AD) injection devices.
Because the HepB vaccine contains only one antigen, it is called a monovalent vaccine. HepB vaccine is also available in combination DTP-HepB and DTP-HepB+Hib vaccines.
Only monovalent HepB vaccine should be used as a birth dose, the dose given within the first week of life. Combination vaccines should not be used at birth, but may be used in subsequent doses.
If HepB vaccine stands for a long time, the vaccine may separate from the liquid. When separated, the vaccine looks like fine sand at the bottom of the vial. Shake the vial to mix the vaccine and liquid before using the vaccine. HepB vaccine should never be frozen. The “Shake test” will determine if the vaccine has been damaged by freezing. If the vaccine fails the shake test you must discard it.
How safe is Hep B vaccine and what are its potential side-effects?
HepB vaccine is one of the safest vaccines.
Mild reactions include:
- Soreness: About 15% of adults and 5% of children have tenderness, redness, or mild swelling at the injection site.
- Fever: About 1% to 6% of those who receive the vaccine develop a mild fever that lasts one or two days after injection of the vaccine.
Reactions and complications due to the vaccine are rare. Allergic reactions, such as rash, difficulty in breathing, and choking, occur about once every 600 000 doses. No fatal allergic reaction has been reported.
Hepatitis B:
1,2,3,4
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