Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine contains highly purified non-infectious particles of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HbsAg), and also contains: aluminum salts that serve as an adsorbent and adjuvants (an enhancer of the immune response).

The vaccine is given by injection into the thigh muscle in infants or the deltoid muscle (upper arm) in older children (older than 3 years). Children up to 15 years of age are given a dose of 0.5 ml and children 16 years of age and older receive a 1.0 ml dose for adults. Routine immunization is performed with three doses of vaccine:

1st dose - first day after birth (or chosen day)

2nd dose - 1 month after the first dose

3rd dose - 6 months after the first dose

It is important to test pregnant women for hepatitis B. In case they carry the hepatitis B virus, the child receives specific antibodies (hepatitis B immunoglobulin) on the first day after birth, in addition to the vaccine.

If all the above measures are applied, the mother who carries the hepatitis B virus can breastfeed her child, except in situations when the nipples are cracked and bleeding, when there is a short break until recovery.

The hepatitis B vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, against tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, MMR vaccine. When administered as a single vaccine, it is given at another injection site (upper leg in infants or upper arm in older children).

The vaccine is not given to people who have an acute illness accompanied by fever and those who have previously had a stronger allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to some of the components of the vaccine.

The effect of the vaccine on the development of the fetus has not been evaluated, but a pregnant woman can receive this vaccine only if there are clear indications. There are no contraindications for a breastfeeding woman to receive the vaccine.

People on hemodialysis or those with reduced resistance may require an additional booster dose.