Hepatitis B Injection

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus.

The virus is found in the blood or certain body fluids and is spread when blood or body fluid from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. This can occur in a variety of ways including unprotected sexual contact, using needles, medicines, poor infection control practices in medical settings, particularly with equipment to test blood sugar. It can also transmit from mother to baby during birth, if a person comes in contact with infected wounds or skin sores, when an infected person bites another person or by sharing personal-care items, such as razors or toothbrushes. Hepatitis B virus particles can be found on objects, even in the absence of visible blood. The virus can remain infectious and capable of spreading infection for a minimum of seven days outside the human body.

The symptoms of hepatitis B include yellowing of skin and white areas of the eyes, discoloration of urine, loss of appetite or nausea, bloated and tender belly, extreme tiredness, fever and pain in joints.

Hepatitis B Injection is usually a three-dose series. It is recommended for all individuals from newborn to children of 18 years of age. Hepatitis B Injection should be given to infants at birth in the hospital. All older children who did not get all the recommended doses of Hepatitis B Injection as an infant should complete their vaccine series as soon as possible. Adolescents and adults who are just starting their series will need two or three doses, depending on their age and the brand of vaccine used. Hepatitis B Injection may be given to anybody who needs to get protected against hepatitis B.