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Immunizations - travel vaccinations - Management
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Definition
- Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Acute infection may occasionally lead to fulminant hepatic necrosis, which is often fatal.
When is hepatitis B vaccine indicated?
- Travellers to areas of high or intermediate prevalence who place themselves at risk when abroad. Behaviours that place them at risk include unsafe sexual activity, injecting drug use, undertaking relief aid work, or participating in contact sports.
- Travellers who plan to remain in areas of high or intermediate prevalence for lengthy periods.
- Individuals who are travelling to visit friends or relatives with chronic hepatitis B infection.
- Families adopting children from countries with a high or intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B.
- People who may require medical care while travelling to areas of high- or moderate-endemicity.
In depth
What types of hepatitis B vaccines are available?
- There are several inactivated hepatitis B vaccines available: Engerix B®, Fendrix®, HBvaxPRO®, and Twinrix® (combined hepatitis A and B).
In depth
What schedule is used for hepatitis B vaccination?
Table 1. Schedule for Hepatitis B vaccination.
Vaccine | Schedule | Age range |
|---|
Engerix B® | 3 doses: 0, 1, and 6 months | Neonates to adults. |
HBVaxPRO® 5 micrograms | 3 doses: 0, 1, and 6 months | from birth to 15 years. |
HBVaxPRO® 10 micrograms | 3 doses: 0, 1, and 6 months | 16 years and older. |
Health care workers are advised to receive a booster dose 5 years after the primary course (according to Department of Health policy). |
In depth
Can I use a rapid schedule for hepatitis B vaccine?
Table 1. Rapid schedule for hepatitis B vaccine.
Vaccine | Rapid schedule | Age range |
|---|
Engerix B® | 3 doses: 0, 1, and 2 months*† | Neonates to adults. |
3 doses: 0, 7, and 21 days*† | 18 years and older.‡ |
HBVaxPro® 5 micrograms | 3 doses: 0, 1, and 2 months* | From birth to 15 years. |
HBVaxPro® 10 micrograms | 3 doses: 0, 1, and 2 months*† | 16 years and older. |
* Give fourth dose after 12 months. † Health care workers are advised to receive a reinforcing dose 5 years after the primary course (according to Department of Health policy). ‡ Although not licensed, this schedule maybe used in those aged 16–18 where it is important to provide rapid protection. |
In depth
What are the adverse effects of hepatitis B vaccine?
- The most common adverse reactions are soreness and redness at the injection site. Serious adverse effects are very rare.
In depth
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