Actcm Health Certificate (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

HEPATITIS “B” AND HEPATITIS “B” VACCINE

The Disease:

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Some people who become

infected with the virus recover completely, but some become chronic carriers of the virus or

develop recurrent hepatitis. The majority of chronic carriers do not have symptoms

themselves, but they may infect others by transmitting the virus via blood or body fluids.

Some who remain infected with the virus develop chronic hepatitis, serious liver disease

and liver cancer. Worldwide, the Hepatitis B Virus is a major cause of liver disease.

The Vaccine:

Health practitioners are considered a high‐risk group because of the risk of needle sticks. A

safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent infection with the Hepatitis B virus, thus

preventing both the acute and chronic forms of Hepatitis B. The vaccine called Recombivax

HB, is derived from yeast cells which have been genetically altered, and is free of

association with human blood products. The vaccine was subjected to extensive clinical

trials prior to FDA approval, and has been commercially available since 1987. There is no

evidence available to suggest that the vaccine transmits Hepatitis B or any other disease. No

serious side effects have been reported to date. Occasionally, a person may have been

exposed to Hepatitis B prior to beginning the immunization series and he may develop

Hepatitis B, even after being vaccinated.

The vaccine is also highly effective. Of those individuals who received a full immunization

series, 85‐95% develop measurable immunity to Hepatitis B.

The complete given series consists of three (3) injections over a six (6) month period: the

first injection given initially, the second given 30 days later and the third given five months

after the second injection. The duration of immunity is not known, but is believed to be

long‐lasting with no need for boosters for at 5‐10 years.

Vaccine Side Effects:

Side effects to the vaccine are relatively uncommon. Those that do occur are not serious

and are usually mild. An individual may experience redness and soreness at the injection

site. Rarely, systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, rash and joint pains have occurred,

but even these symptoms last only a few days following vaccination.

There is also a vaccine available against Hepatitis A. Both vaccines can be obtained from

your Primary Care Practitioner or from Public Health Clinics.

Actcm Health Certificate Page 2