What is Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine?
Hepatitis A and B are serious diseases caused by viruses. Hepatitis can cause inflammation in the liver and nausea. It may also result in jaundice. Hepatitis may lead to cancer of the liver or cirrhosis.Hepatitis A and B vaccines are used in adulthood to prevent the diseases. It works by exposing your body to a tiny dose of virus. This causes it to build immunity against the disease. The vaccine does not work on an active virus in your body.
Adults with risk factors for hepatitis A and B (including:
- If you have chronic liver disease, like cirrhosis or hepatitis C, or need a liver transplant,
- Using intravenous drugs (IV)
- Living with someone who is infected with either the hepatitis A, B, or C virus
- Sexual contact with a person infected
- A blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.
- Being on dialysis or receiving blood transfusions.
- Living in a Correctional Institution
- Being in the military or traveling to a high-risk area
- Working in the healthcare sector or in public safety and being exposed to blood or bodily fluids infected
The hepatitis A/B vaccine is not a guarantee of protection against disease.
Similar/related drugs
hepatitis B adult vaccines, Twinrix, Heplisav-B, Engerix-B, Havrix, Vaqta, and hepatitis are adult vaccines.
Side effects of Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek medical assistance immediately: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in lips, face, throat or tongue.Be sure to keep track of all the side effects that you experience after getting this vaccination. You will have to inform your doctor of any adverse reactions you experience after receiving the vaccine.
If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the initial shot, then you should not get a booster.After receiving the vaccine, you may experience a feeling of faintness. Some people experienced seizures after getting this vaccine. You may be asked to stay under close observation for the first 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine.
Hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccinations can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience numbness or pain; tingling or burning sensations; hearing or vision problems; or difficulty breathing.
- Red or blistering skin is a rash.
- Easy bruising (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
Some of the common side effects of the hepatitis A or B vaccination include:
- Redness or tenderness at the site of injection;
- headache
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Warnings
Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if there is a medical condition or allergy.
Before you take this drug
Hepatitis A or B vaccination will not prevent infection by hepatitis C, E, or any other liver-damaging viruses. You will not be protected from hepatitis A and B even if the virus is already present, regardless of whether you have symptoms.This vaccine should not be given to anyone who is allergic to neomycin or yeast or has ever experienced a severe allergic reaction after receiving any other vaccine that contains hepatitis A.
If you've ever:
- Allergy to Latex Rubber
- A weak immune system can be caused by a disease or certain medicines.
If you are suffering from a mild cold, you can still get vaccinated. If you have a severe infection or a high fever, it is best to wait for your symptoms to improve before getting this vaccination.Inform your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
How to take Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine?
The vaccine is administered as a shot (injection) into a muscle. This injection will be given in the doctor's clinic or another setting.Three shots are required to receive the hepatitis A/B vaccine. The booster shot is given one month after the initial dose and six months later.You may receive three injections within 30 days and another one 12 months later if you are at high risk for hepatitis.These guidelines may not apply to your individual schedule. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or those recommended by the Health Department in the state where you reside.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for hepatitis B prophylaxis:
Primary immunization: 1 mL in deltoid at 0, 1, and 6 months.
You can also use a 4-dose schedule, given at days 0, 7, 21, and 30, followed by an additional booster dose in the 12th month.
Adult dose for hepatitis-A prophylaxis:
Primary immunization: 1 ml IM on the deltoid at 0, 1, and 6 months.
You can also use a 4-dose schedule, given at days 0, 7, 21, and 30, followed by an additional booster dose in the 12th month.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are behind on your booster or have missed a dose, contact your doctor. The next dose must be administered as quickly as possible. No need to restart.If you do not receive the full recommended dosage of this vaccine, your protection against diseases may be compromised.
What happens if I overdose?
It is very unlikely that this vaccine will cause an overdose.
What should be avoided?
If your physician prescribes any restrictions regarding food, drinks or activities for you, adhere to their advice.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about any other vaccinations that you've recently had before receiving this one.
Tell your doctor if any of the following drugs or treatments have affected the immune system:
- Steroids are a type of medicine.
- Treatments for cancer
- Medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders
- Medicines to prevent or treat rejection after organ transplant
You may be required to wait to get the vaccine if you're taking any of the above medications.The list below is not exhaustive. This list is not complete. Other medications, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect the hepatitis A or B vaccine. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
