Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
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All Your Questions About Paediatric Hepatitis B Vaccines Answered
All Your Questions About Paediatric Hepatitis B Vaccines Answered
Hepatitis B vaccines are crucial in safeguarding children from this viral infection, which can lead to severe liver complications. By immunizing children at an early age, we can prevent transmission and reduce the burden of chronic liver disease, protecting their long-term health.
Hepatitis B vaccines are crucial in safeguarding children from this viral infection, which can lead to severe liver complications. By immunizing children at an early age, we can prevent transmission and reduce the burden of chronic liver disease, protecting their long-term health.
Published on: 21 July, 2023
Published on: 21 July, 2023
Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can have severe consequences, but it poses a significant threat to babies. In India, where hepatitis B is endemic, recent reports show that approximately 40 million individuals suffer from chronic hepatitis B infection, while over 115,000 Indians die of hepatitis B related complications every year [Source: World Health Organisation].
In this article, we delve into the importance of Hepatitis B vaccines, particularly for children, and the significance of early immunisation. If you have questions about administration, side effects, or any concerns related to hepatitis B vaccination, you’ll find all the answers here.
Why are preventive strategies, like vaccination, essential in controlling hepatitis B infection in infants?
As there haven't been any major discoveries in treating CHB, it is important to focus on preventive measures to control the infection and its effects on the liver. A vital preventive strategy is getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, which can significantly reduce the risk of chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
How does the hepatitis B virus pose a threat to babies?
Out of the 26 million children born annually in India, approximately 1 million are at risk of developing chronic hepatitis B during their lifetime. Many infants are at risk of acquiring the virus from their infected mothers during childbirth or through close contact within the family. The virus spreads through various means, such as blood transfusions, saliva, and body fluids, making it challenging to know if your child is infected.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B in babies?
In India, because of inadequate hygiene and the high population density, children are at a higher risk of getting infected. Hepatitis B often shows no symptoms, but some children may have fever, chills, nausea, loss of appetite, and yellowish skin.
What are the long-term consequences of hepatitis B in children?
Chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer). For newborns who contract hepatitis B, there is a risk of developing chronic liver disease later in life. These long-term consequences can be debilitating and life-threatening.
Why is the hepatitis B vaccine important for babies?
Firstly, it helps prevent chronic liver diseases that can have long-term consequences on a child's health. By administering the vaccine, parents can significantly reduce the risk of their baby developing these life-altering conditions.
Additionally, the vaccine provides protection against the transmission of hepatitis B infection. Through its immunising properties, the vaccine strengthens the baby's immune system, enabling it to fight off any potential infection. This is particularly important for infants born to mothers who are carriers of the virus.
What does the hepatitis B vaccine contain?
The hepatitis B vaccine contains specific components that stimulate the baby's immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. It is composed of a small, harmless part of the hepatitis B virus called the surface antigen. It does not contain the live virus and cannot cause hepatitis B infection. The vaccine also includes other ingredients such as salts, stabilisers, and preservatives to enhance its efficacy and safety.
How much does the hepatitis B vaccine for babies cost?
At present, the cost of the hepatitis B vaccine varies from ₹45 (Serum Institute) to ₹250 per paediatric dose of 10 micrograms in 0.5ml.
When should babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
For babies born in hospitals, the vaccination schedule for hepatitis B in infants typically involves administering the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by three more doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Babies born at home get three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Following this schedule is crucial to ensure optimal protection against the virus.
How is the hepatitis B vaccine administered to babies?
Administering the hepatitis B vaccine to babies is a safe and routine procedure. Healthcare professionals use a specially designed syringe to deliver the injection in the thigh muscle. Strict safety measures are followed to ensure a seamless and safe experience for the baby. The process is quick and generally well-tolerated by infants.
Is there more than one type of Hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is produced by various pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Some widely used vaccines include Recombivax HB by Merck, Engerix-B by GSK, Elovac B byHuman Biologicals Institute (a division of Indian Immunologicals Limited), Genevac B by Serum Institute, Shanvac B, Heplisav-B, and PreHevbrio.
What are the possible side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine, and how can they be managed?
Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may cause minor side effects in some babies, such as redness, swelling or soreness at the injection site or a mild fever. These side effects are temporary and typically resolve on their own without requiring any specific treatment. They can be managed with simple measures like applying a cold compress or providing appropriate medications, only when necessary.
Allergic reactions to vaccines are exceedingly rare, including with the hepatitis B vaccine. Serious issues related to receiving the vaccine are also unlikely. If any concerns do arise, parents should consult their healthcare provider for guidance.
When should immunisation be delayed or avoided?
If the mother does not have the virus in her blood, babies weighing less than 2kg may be delayed immunisation.
It is also not recommended to administer the vaccine if your child is sick. However, simple colds or minor illnesses should not prevent immunisation.
- You should especially delay the Hepatitis B vaccination for your baby if they have a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its components.
- If your baby is allergic to baker's yeast, please inform your paediatrician beforehand. This is because the vaccine contains baker's yeast, and there might be residual yeast proteins present in the vaccine solution.
Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can have severe consequences, but it poses a significant threat to babies. In India, where hepatitis B is endemic, recent reports show that approximately 40 million individuals suffer from chronic hepatitis B infection, while over 115,000 Indians die of hepatitis B related complications every year [Source: World Health Organisation].
In this article, we delve into the importance of Hepatitis B vaccines, particularly for children, and the significance of early immunisation. If you have questions about administration, side effects, or any concerns related to hepatitis B vaccination, you’ll find all the answers here.
Why are preventive strategies, like vaccination, essential in controlling hepatitis B infection in infants?
As there haven't been any major discoveries in treating CHB, it is important to focus on preventive measures to control the infection and its effects on the liver. A vital preventive strategy is getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, which can significantly reduce the risk of chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
How does the hepatitis B virus pose a threat to babies?
Out of the 26 million children born annually in India, approximately 1 million are at risk of developing chronic hepatitis B during their lifetime. Many infants are at risk of acquiring the virus from their infected mothers during childbirth or through close contact within the family. The virus spreads through various means, such as blood transfusions, saliva, and body fluids, making it challenging to know if your child is infected.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B in babies?
In India, because of inadequate hygiene and the high population density, children are at a higher risk of getting infected. Hepatitis B often shows no symptoms, but some children may have fever, chills, nausea, loss of appetite, and yellowish skin.
What are the long-term consequences of hepatitis B in children?
Chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer). For newborns who contract hepatitis B, there is a risk of developing chronic liver disease later in life. These long-term consequences can be debilitating and life-threatening.
Why is the hepatitis B vaccine important for babies?
Firstly, it helps prevent chronic liver diseases that can have long-term consequences on a child's health. By administering the vaccine, parents can significantly reduce the risk of their baby developing these life-altering conditions.
Additionally, the vaccine provides protection against the transmission of hepatitis B infection. Through its immunising properties, the vaccine strengthens the baby's immune system, enabling it to fight off any potential infection. This is particularly important for infants born to mothers who are carriers of the virus.
What does the hepatitis B vaccine contain?
The hepatitis B vaccine contains specific components that stimulate the baby's immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. It is composed of a small, harmless part of the hepatitis B virus called the surface antigen. It does not contain the live virus and cannot cause hepatitis B infection. The vaccine also includes other ingredients such as salts, stabilisers, and preservatives to enhance its efficacy and safety.
How much does the hepatitis B vaccine for babies cost?
At present, the cost of the hepatitis B vaccine varies from ₹45 (Serum Institute) to ₹250 per paediatric dose of 10 micrograms in 0.5ml.
When should babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
For babies born in hospitals, the vaccination schedule for hepatitis B in infants typically involves administering the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by three more doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Babies born at home get three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Following this schedule is crucial to ensure optimal protection against the virus.
How is the hepatitis B vaccine administered to babies?
Administering the hepatitis B vaccine to babies is a safe and routine procedure. Healthcare professionals use a specially designed syringe to deliver the injection in the thigh muscle. Strict safety measures are followed to ensure a seamless and safe experience for the baby. The process is quick and generally well-tolerated by infants.
Is there more than one type of Hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is produced by various pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Some widely used vaccines include Recombivax HB by Merck, Engerix-B by GSK, Elovac B byHuman Biologicals Institute (a division of Indian Immunologicals Limited), Genevac B by Serum Institute, Shanvac B, Heplisav-B, and PreHevbrio.
What are the possible side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine, and how can they be managed?
Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may cause minor side effects in some babies, such as redness, swelling or soreness at the injection site or a mild fever. These side effects are temporary and typically resolve on their own without requiring any specific treatment. They can be managed with simple measures like applying a cold compress or providing appropriate medications, only when necessary.
Allergic reactions to vaccines are exceedingly rare, including with the hepatitis B vaccine. Serious issues related to receiving the vaccine are also unlikely. If any concerns do arise, parents should consult their healthcare provider for guidance.
When should immunisation be delayed or avoided?
If the mother does not have the virus in her blood, babies weighing less than 2kg may be delayed immunisation.
It is also not recommended to administer the vaccine if your child is sick. However, simple colds or minor illnesses should not prevent immunisation.
- You should especially delay the Hepatitis B vaccination for your baby if they have a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its components.
- If your baby is allergic to baker's yeast, please inform your paediatrician beforehand. This is because the vaccine contains baker's yeast, and there might be residual yeast proteins present in the vaccine solution.
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
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