In addition to being mandatory for new born, the HBV vaccine is recommended and free for high risk subjects to contract the infection for professional exposure, pathology or living conditions. That’s why this prophylaxis is so important
The hepatitis B vaccine protects from the virus Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) which causes an infection that mainly affects the liver.
Hepatitis B often manifests itself with mild and short -lived symptoms, but in some cases (and with a higher risk in babies and preschool children) can evolve towards a chronic form, with serious health consequences (liver cirrhosis, liver cancer).
The hepatitis B vaccine has the main purpose of preventing chronic forms of hepatitis and livercinomas (liver tumors).
It is estimated that in Italy, in the period 1991-2010, at least 20,000 cases of infection have been avoided, about 1,400 cases of chronic hepatitis and 300-400 cases of liver cancer have been avoided.
What is hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection that mainly affects the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus.
There are several viruses capable of causing hepatitis. Virus B is transmitted through blood or other body liquids (saliva, sperm) and contagion takes place mainly through the puncture with needles or sharp surfaces contaminated with blood containing the virus or through unprotected sexual intercourse. More rarely, the contagion can take place through contact with contaminated objects, if there are injuries on the skin or level of the mucous membranes.
The virus can also be transmitted to the fetus or newborn by a mother with an HBV infection, in particular at the time of childbirth.
In preschool children the disease often not from symptoms, while in older children and adults can cause:
- fever;
- tiredness;
- joint pain;
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and yellowish coloring of the skin and sclera (jaundice).
These symptoms can appear a few months after the infection.
In 5-10% of cases the virus can remain in the body for a long time causing a chronic infection and this can in turn evolve into liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The risk of chronic hepatitis is higher in children. In infants, the probability that the infection is chronic is extremely high (90%).
Hepatitis B: Is the vaccine mandatory?
Since its introduction to Italy as a universal vaccination, which took place in 1991, the vaccine against hepatitis B is mandatory for new born, and is therefore present within the national vaccination calendar.
It is also recommended (but not mandatory) for subjects at high risk of contracting the infection for professional exposure, pathology or living conditions (later we specify what is meant)
When is hepatitis B vaccine?
HBV vaccination is carried out during the first year of life.
The hepatitis B vaccine is contained in the hexavalent vaccination, administered in the third, fifth and eleventh month of life.
If the mother is positive for the hepatitis B virus, the administration of a dose of vaccine at birth is also recommended, to reduce the risks of the transmission of the virus from the pregnant woman to the newborn at the time of childbirth.
Vaccination for hepatitis B and adults
As mentioned, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended and offered free of charge to subjects at risk of infection for professional exposure, pathology or conditions and lifestyles.
For example, they are part of these categories:
- health workers;
- subjects who need frequent transfusions or who must undergo dialysis;
- subjects with chronic liver diseases;
- cohabitants with positive people on the hepatitis B virus;
- drug addicts;
- people with sexual intercourse at risk.
Vaccination against hepatitis B is also recommended as a prophylaxis after exposure, such as in the event of an accidental puncture with a potentially infected needle.
HBV vaccination is also recommended for travelers who go to geographical areas where the risk of contracting the virus is high.
In adulthood, the vaccination generally provides for the administration of three doses: the second after one month and the third after six months from the first.
In some particular cases (for example, post-exposure prophylaxis), the administration of four doses is foreseen, with the third anticipated dose at 2 months so as to guarantee high protection in a short time.
Does the hepatitis B vaccine give side effects? The most frequent side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine are similar to those of other vaccines, namely:
- fever;
- pain and swelling to the injection site;
- heachache.
Very rarely (a case on one million administrations) the appearance of anaphylactic shock is reported, a serious form of allergic reaction.
In the past, the reporting of some cases of multiple sclerosis after the administration of the vaccine for hepatitis B had triggered an alarm signal, but epidemiological studies conducted subsequently did not document an association between vaccination and disease.
Vaccine for hepatitis B and contraindications
The only contraindication to the vaccine for hepatitis B is the previous appearance of serious allergic reactions against the vaccine or excipients.
As with other vaccines, it is advisable to postpone vaccination in the presence of a serious acute disease.
Veccino for hepatitis B: how long does the coverage last?
Generally, the protection of the vaccine for hepatitis B has a very long duration and is therefore not necessary to make references after completing the primary cycle of the three doses.
The call of the hepatitis B vaccine can be appropriate for immunosuppressed subjects, with chronic renal failure or subjected to dialysis: in these people, in fact, the level of antibodies may not be protective.
