This vaccine prevents the infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis B vaccine is a recombinant DNA vaccine – the gene of hepatitis B virus is inserted into baker’s yeast. The virus is harvested in yeast and then purified.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. This can be caused by drugs, alcoholism, toxins or bacterial or viral infections.
The infection caused by the hepatitis B virus can result in harm to the liver and sometimes death. Use of infected needles or unsafe sex can lead to hepatitis B infection. So it is more prevalent in adults. But babies might get the infection at the time of birth or by being in proximity with others having hepatitis B. This infection spread easily.
However, a number of those who carry this virus may not have any symptoms or any feeling of sickness. But if this infection is acquired in childhood, it can lead to serious liver problems in later life.
After the hepatitis B vaccine was included in suggested immunizations (in USA) I 1991, the number of hepatitis B infection cases in children and adolescents have reduced by 95%. Also, the reported number of new cases in children, too, has dropped considerably.
The hepatitis B vaccine is injected in muscle – thigh muscle for small babies and upper arm for adolescents and adults. Three injections of the vaccine are required for immunization of babies:
In USA, pregnant women are tested for hepatitis B virus. Baby of the hepatitis B positive mother is given HBIG or Hepatitis B Immuno Globulin immediately after the birth (in first 12 hours) This immunoglobulin can save the baby from catching mother’s hepatitis B virus till the first shot is given.
Only mild side effects of this vaccine have been reported. Child may get soreness at the site of the injection. In some cases, there may be mild fever. Serious problems are rarely observed and could be because of hypersensitivity to some component of the vaccine.
