1. Hepatitis B is more common than you think
Hepatitis B is a viral infection and the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. If left untreated, hepatitis B can be fatal. In fact, one in four people with hepatitis B can die from liver failure or cancer. Although there is no cure for hepatitis B, vaccination can prevent infection.
2. Hepatitis B is more contagious than HIV
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood or body fluids and is more contagious than HIV. Once a person is infected, symptoms may remain dormant – or symptoms may no longer appear – for up to 30 years. Because the virus remains inactive for a very long time and many people infected with hepatitis B may be asymptomatic and unaware of their infection, they may inadvertently spread the virus to others4.
3. Vaccination is the key to protection
In 1991, children were vaccinated against hepatitis B. This led to a sharp decrease in the rate of hepatitis B infection. That said, many adults born before the term of the hepatitis B vaccine are still vulnerable. and are at risk for infection. According to the CDC, 75% of adults in the US are currently unprotected. Due to the low vaccination rate of adults, the infection is currently on the rise. Approximately 2.4 million people in the United States today have chronic hepatitis B5.
4. A three -dose series of vaccines can be difficult
Hepatitis B vaccines are limited to three doses over six months. All three doses are usually needed to achieve complete protection from the virus. Due to the long time between doses, it can be difficult to complete the series. A recent study by Kaiser Permanent, a leading health care provider in the country, found that only 26 percent of adults completed all three doses of the traditional hepatitis B vaccine.That may leave some people vulnerable.
5. There is a vaccine that takes less time to complete
A two-dose (or double) version of the hepatitis B vaccine called HEPLISAV-B® [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted] The series is available and will end within a month. HEPLISAV-B is approved for use in the United States for adults over 18 years of age. For more information and to find a nearby pharmacist who will help protect you from hepatitis B, Click here.
If you were born before 1991, you were born before hepatitis B vaccination became the norm for infants in the United States. The CDC now recommends that all adults between the ages of 19 and 59 * receive the vaccine to keep pace with the current increase in hepatitis B cases.
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HEPLISAV-B has been shown to prevent infection with all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults over 18 years of age.
Important safety information
Do not prescribe to individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to HEPLISAV-B®️ (eg anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine or any of the components of HEPLISAV-B®, including yeast.
Adequate medical care and supervision should be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions after taking Heplisav-B®.
Individuals with immunodeficiency, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a lower immune response to HEPLISAV-B®️.
Hepatitis B has a long incubation period. HEPLISAV-B®️ cannot prevent hepatitis B infection in people with hepatitis B infection that were not recognized at the time of vaccination.
The most common adverse reactions reported by the patient within seven days of vaccination were pain of the injection site (23% –39%), fatigue (11% –17%) and headache (8% –17%).
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1. Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive approach for transmission by universal vaccination of children in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00033405.htm#00000747.htm
3. Walayat S, Ahmed Z, Martin D, Puli S, Cashman M, Dhillon S. Recent advances in vaccination in people who do not respond to the usual dose of hepatitis B vaccine. World J Hepatol. 2015; 7 (24): 2503-2509.
4.Mast EE, Weinbaum CM, Fiore AE and others. Comprehensive Immunization Strategy in the United States to Eliminate the Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Part II: Adult Immunization. MMWR recommends Rep. 2006; 55 (RR-16): 1-33.
6. Williams WW, Lu PJ, O’Halloran et al. Management of vaccination incidence in the adult population – United States, 2015. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2017; 66 (11): 1-28.
Source: Huffpost
