Hepatitis B Vaccine
Vaccination for HBV
Hepatitis B is a very serious viral disease that can cause severe damage
to the liver. This virus—known as hepatitis B virus or HBV—can
lead to permanent infection, and can cause prolonged liver damage.
Some possible effects of hepatitis B include:
- Scarring or “cirrhosis” of the liver
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
- Death
HBV is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
Scenarios includes sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, and
from mother to baby during delivery. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly
effective in protecting people from contracting HBV and is safe for people
of all ages. There are no serious side effects connected with the hepatitis
B vaccine.
It is very important that children get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
The risk of developing a chronic infection from hepatitis B is much higher
for infants. About 90% of infants who are infected will develop the chronic
form of the infection—compared to only 2% to 6% of infected adults.