Hepatitis B Vaccine

Who should consider a hepatitis B vaccine?

How does the hepatitis B vaccine work?

What is the duration of treatment?

How effective is the hepatitis B vaccine?

Are there any side effects?

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the hepatitis B vaccine?

Which medications are used in the hepatitis B vaccine?

How much does the hepatitis B vaccine cost?

 

Who should consider a hepatitis B vaccine?

Children who did not receive the vaccine after birth, travelers, sexually active adults, those who live with someone infected with hepatitis B, men who have sex with men, hepatitis B lab workers, and those infected with HIV should consider being vaccinated against hepatitis B.
 

How does the hepatitis B vaccine work?

An inactive version of the hepatitis B virus is injected under the skin in order to build antibodies against the virus.

 

What is the duration of treatment?

The vaccine requires a series of infections within a set time frame. Infants and children receive 3 or 4 doses over a 6 to 18-month period. Adults receive 3 doses within a 6-month period of time.
 

How effective is the hepatitis B vaccine?

When administered correctly, the hepatitis B vaccine has a 95% success rate. A decreased response to the vaccine has been observed in patients over 40 years old, as well as in those who abuse alcohol, smoke, are obese, or are taking immunosupressive medications.

 

Are there any side effects?

Some noted side effects for the hepatitis B vaccine are: localized pain or skin irritation around injection site, digestive disturbances, headache, dizziness, joint pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Notify a doctor if you experience more severe side effects such as sore throat, pounding heart, or abnormal bruising or bleeding.
 

Is there anyone who should not get the hepatitis B vaccine?

Patients with yeast allergies, and those who are moderately to severely ill should not get the hepatitis B vaccine. Patients who experienced a severe allergic reaction to the initial dosage should not receive the subsequent doses.
 

Which medications are used in the hepatitis B vaccine?

There are many hepatitis B products available, some common ones are Elovac B® (Human Biologicals Institute), Engerix-B® (GlaxoSmithKline), GeneVac-B® (Serum Institute), and Recombicax® (Merck) In addition, a combination vaccine is available for both hepatitis A and B protection. The name of this vaccine is Twinrix® (GlaxoKlineSmith).
 

How much does the hepatitis B vaccine cost?

Insurance sometimes covers the hepatitis B vaccine, especially for at-risk patients. Without insurance,  estimated charges are $120-370 depending on geographical location, as well as consultation and administering fees. The fees for the combination vaccine Twinix® total approximately $330-$700.