Hepatitis A and B vaccine
Indications:
- protection against hepatitis A and B
- holidays to countries where the disease is endemic; hepatitis A vaccine is one of the most recommended vaccines in travel medicine. Nowadays, there are also many cases native to Poland caused by a compensatory epidemic (unvaccinated population is an easy target for the virus)
- both type A and B virus can be transmitted during sexual contact (different pathways, including faecal-oral route)
- vaccines can be given safely to children and adults of all ages
Before vaccination:
- A medical consultation is necessary before the vaccination.
Vaccination procedure:
- The hepatitis A vaccination schedule consists of two doses, with the second one given six months after the first one (0-6 months). The vaccine is so effective that there is no need for antibodies testing following the vaccination.
- The complete hepatitis B vaccination consists of 3 doses. The second one is taken after a month, the third one 6 months from the first vaccination (the 0-1-6 months scheme). Following the vaccination, it is recommended to check for the presence of HBsAg. If the level of HBsAg is> 10 IU / ml, then the vaccination was effective, and no booster is needed.
- The vaccine is given intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle.
After vaccination:
- Post-vaccination immunity against hepatitis A and B is long-lasting. The vaccine provides immunity for life.
- The vaccination is safe and protects against HAV and HBV infections.
- Soreness and redness may appear around the injected area which disappear after 24 hours.
- Patients may experience a transient lower mood and a slight increase in body temperature.
Contraindications:
- acute phase of infection, with elevated body temperature
- pregnancy (consult a doctor)
- hypersensitivity to the active or auxiliary substances in the vaccine