Hepatitis B virus vaccine... a disease that increases the risk of liver cancer

Phyathai Nawamin

3 Min

14/04/2020

AI Translated

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Hepatitis B virus vaccine... a disease that increases the risk of liver cancer

Hepatitis B virus disease is caused by the hepatitis B virus and is transmitted through contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person via broken skin, sharing personal items contaminated with blood or bodily fluids such as razors and toothbrushes, sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to infant. If the body cannot eliminate the virus, it becomes a carrier of the disease, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

 

Symptoms indicating… suspected “Hepatitis B virus disease”

Fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain under the ribs, jaundice of the skin and eyes. If the body cannot eliminate the virus, it becomes a carrier of the disease, which not only can spread the infection to others but also increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

 

Hepatitis B virus vaccine

Made from the outer protein of the hepatitis B virus, administered by intramuscular injection 3 times at 0, 1, and 6 months.

 

Who “should” receive the hepatitis B virus vaccine

  • Those who do not have immunity to hepatitis B virus
  • All newborns in Thailand, including children who have never received this vaccine before
  • Adults at risk of exposure, such as spouses of hepatitis B virus carriers, people who frequently receive blood transfusions, dialysis patients, healthcare workers, drug users, men who have sex with men, and those with liver or chronic kidney disease
  • Travelers going to countries where the disease is endemic or highly prevalent
  • Children over 10 years old and adults should have a blood test before vaccination to check for existing immunity, as some may have been previously infected and naturally immune

 

Who “should avoid” receiving the hepatitis B virus vaccine

  • Those with a history of allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine or any of its components
  • If having a fever or acute illness, vaccination should be postponed until recovery
  • Those with mild cold symptoms without fever can receive the vaccine

 

Possible side effects after receiving the hepatitis B virus vaccine

  • The vaccine may cause severe allergic reactions, but such reactions are very rare and most people experience no problems
  • Common reactions include low-grade fever, pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, usually resolving within 1-2 days
  • Other possible symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, joint inflammation, skin rash, and temporary increase in transaminase levels
  • If there is pain and swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress; if other abnormal symptoms occur, consult a doctor

 

Note:

  • Currently, there is insufficient data on the use of the vaccine in pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, since the hepatitis B vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, it may be considered if necessary and if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks
  • 1-3% of vaccinated individuals may not develop immunity despite completing the vaccine series
  • Generally, blood testing for immunity after vaccination is not necessary except for high-risk groups such as dialysis patients; if no immune response is detected, revaccination should be considered
  • For individuals aged 8-65 years, a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine can be used in a single injection, given intramuscularly 3 times at 0, 1, and 6 months
  • Vaccination in patients currently infected with hepatitis B virus (progressive state) or asymptomatic carriers (latent) will not prevent the disease
  • Because hepatitis B virus has a long incubation period, infection may be present but unknown at the time of vaccination, which may reduce vaccine effectiveness
  • This vaccine does not protect against other liver-affecting viruses such as hepatitis A, C, and E
  • If in doubt, consult a doctor

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