Hepatitis B Vaccine, Benefits, dosage and side effects

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Hepatitis B Vaccine, Benefits, dosage, and side effects

The hepatitis B vaccine is a vaccine to prevent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The Hepatitis B vaccine is one type of vaccination that is mandatory for children.

The hepatitis B vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). This vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the virus.

Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids from people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B virus that persists and persists in a person’s body can progress to chronic disease and cause dangerous complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B vaccine trademark:  Engerix-B

What is Hepatitis B Vaccine

Group Prescription drugs
Category Vaccine
Benefit Prevent hepatitis B virus infection
Consumed by Baby to adult
Hepatitis B vaccine for pregnant and lactating women Category C:  Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether the hepatitis B vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult a doctor before using this vaccine.
Drug form Inject

Warning Before Undergoing Hepatitis B Vaccination 

The following are some things you need to pay attention to before undergoing vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. The Hepatitis B vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this vaccine.
  • The hepatitis B booster vaccine should not be given to someone who has had an allergic reaction to this vaccine before.
  • Tell your doctor if you are suffering from an infectious disease or fever. The Hepatitis B vaccine will be postponed until symptoms improve.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, a weakened immune system, liver disease, or a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia.
  • Tell your doctor if you are having chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant drugs.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking supplements, herbal products, or medications, including anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or an overdose after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Dosage and Schedule 

Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 42 of 2013 and No. 12 of 2017 concerning the administration of immunization, the provision of the Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the mandatory immunizations given to children.

The World Health Organization (WHO)  also recommends that all infants receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

The dose of the hepatitis B vaccine will be adjusted according to the age and condition of the patient, as well as the intended use of the drug. Here are the details:

  • Adults >18 years: 0.5–1 ml, 3 times. The vaccine administration schedule is calculated with month 0 as the first dose, followed by month 1 and month 6.
  • Infants and children:  0.5 ml, 3 times. For primary hepatitis vaccine, the first dose is given immediately after the baby is born. Subsequent doses are given at 2, 3, and 4 months of age. The hepatitis B booster vaccine is given from 18 months of age.

The Hepatitis B vaccine for children is one type of mandatory immunization. The hepatitis B vaccine is also intended for all adults without exception. However, it is recommended to do an HBsAg test first.

In addition, special attention in administering the hepatitis B vaccine needs to be given to high-risk groups, such as health workers, injecting drug users, someone who has more than 1 sexual partner and does not use condoms, people with chronic kidney failure, liver disease, or someone with a weak immune system.

How to Give Hepatitis B Vaccine 

The hepatitis B vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM). This vaccine injection is carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor at a health facility.

Vaccination will be postponed if during the examination you have a fever or are known to be suffering from an acute infectious disease. The Hepatitis B vaccine will be given 3 times. Follow the vaccine injection schedule given by the doctor. Post-vaccination antibody titers can be checked 1-3 months after the last vaccination.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Interaction with Other Drugs

The effects of drug interactions can occur if the hepatitis B vaccine is used with certain drugs, including:

  • Decreased effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccine when used with immunosuppressant drugs, such as belimumab, budesonide, or ciclosporin
  • Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin

Hepatitis B Vaccine Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the common side effects that can occur after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine are:

  • Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of certain symptoms, such as an itchy rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.

In addition, you need to see a doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects that are rare, such as:

  • Fever or swollen lymph nodes
  • Dizziness so heavy that you want to faint
  • Seizure

Hepatitis B: Explained by Demystifying Medicine McMaster

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