Hepatitis is a type of infectious viral liver disease. Hepatitis B is a more dangerous form of the disease, which leads to severe liver damage (including cirrhosis and cancer) and is transmitted through the blood.
Vaccination against hepatitis B in adults
On average, after immunization, immunity persists for 8 to 15 years. If vaccinations were made in childhood, immunity to the disease may persist for 22 years.
Usually the need for revaccination is established individually, based on a blood test for the content of antibodies to this hepatitis virus. But since the disease is transmitted through the blood and other biological fluids (possibly infecting with unprotected sex), then a booster every 5 years is mandatory for:
- employees of medical institutions, social services;
- Other people whose activities are associated with an increased risk of infection.
Schedule of inoculations against hepatitis B in adults
If a person was vaccinated earlier, and there are antibodies in the blood, then once a vaccine is introduced to maintain their level.
In the case of primary vaccination, the vaccination against hepatitis, both in adults and children, is carried out according to the standard scheme - in three steps. The second injection of the vaccine is carried out one month after the first, the third - 5 months after the second.
In addition, sometimes a scheme of 4 injections is used:
- the second - a month after the first;
- the third one a month after the second;
- the last in another 10 months (that is, one year after the first).
The vaccine is injected intramuscularly, usually into the deltoid muscle region. It can not be injected subcutaneously, as the efficacy is significantly reduced, and a seal or abscess develops at the injection site.
Contraindications and side effects of vaccination against hepatitis B in adults
Absolute contraindications to vaccination are the presence of allergies to food yeast, any components of the vaccine or allergic diseases in the anamnesis.
Temporary contraindications are:
- elevated temperature;
- presence of infectious diseases;
- chronic diseases in the acute stage.
The risk of serious adverse effects in vaccination against hepatitis B in adults is minimal. In some cases, there may be:
- increased body temperature (usually subfebrile);
- pain in the injection site;
- minor allergic manifestations.
Side effects in the form of severe allergies, headaches, paresthesia, abnormal gastrointestinal tract and muscle pain are extremely rare (approximately one case per million).