Hepatitis In India: Monsoon Driven Hepatitis B Possibility Looms Over India - Know All About The Hepatitis B Vaccine

The monsoon in India brings with it the scope of hepatitis B infection; know everything about its vaccine.

Hepatitis Outbreak In India: The onset of monsoon in India has brought about fresh concerns; the monsoon poses a threat to the health of individuals, making them extremely vulnerable and prone to getting diseases. Hepatitis B is one of such serious conditions that gets exacerbated in the months of monsoon.

A threat to life, escalated by monsoon, the concern seems to be threatening; this calls for measures to mitigate the effects of the intensity of the disease and condition. But the question is how; the answer is simple- through vaccines. The vaccines work to boost the immunity and provide measures to eliminate the risk of the person getting infected. The availability of any vaccine comes with its concerns, questions and apprehensions.

The article aims to delve deeper into studying the vaccine for one such condition that gets exacerbated with the onset of monsoon. The Hepatitis B Vaccine.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is one of the serious liver infections that is known to be caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The symptoms can range from a mild, ephemeral or short-term illness to a serious, long-lasting illness that may take some time to

go, but in severe cases, it can exist for a lifetime. HBV is known to lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, which can get as serious as liver cancer and in some extreme cases, it can even cause death. The infection is known to be highly contagious and can spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids

Hepatitis B Vaccine: What You Need To Know

The hepatitis B vaccine is a true booster for the body and can help reduce the risk of the severity of the infection. It is recommended for a wide range of individuals that including all, be it infants, children, or adolescents up to 19 years old, who haven’t been vaccinated. Besides this, it is also recommended that the adults who are dealing with certain risk factors, like those struggling with diabetes or blood pressure and those with multiple sexual partners, should also consider getting vaccinated. The vaccine is generally safe for most people, including pregnant women.

Who All Can Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine

Let’s delve deeper into the question of who can choose to get vaccinated and the ones who must get the vaccine.

Infants and Children

It has been recommended by the World Health Organisation that the vaccine be given to all newborns who are ideally within 24 hours of birth, and that there is little to no scope of it being unsafe.

Adolescents

Even adolescents who are up to 19 years old and haven’t been vaccinated in the past can choose to get vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus.

Adults

The vaccine is not just limited to adolescents but also the adults who are aged between 19-59, and the ones who are 60 years and older, and are extremely vulnerable, dealing with risk factors, are recommended to be vaccinated.

Individuals with Risk Factors

The people who are vulnerable in a way that they are the ones who are sexually active with multiple partners, have an STD, men who have sex with men, inject drugs, healthcare workers, those with chronic liver disease or HIV, or are on dialysis, should certainly get vaccinated.

Pregnant women

The vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women, and they are recommended to take it.

When Is The Right Time To Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine

It has been advised and studied that the best time to get the Hepatitis B vaccine is during the stage of infancy. The hepatitis B vaccination can be part of the routine childhood vaccination that is scheduled for the baby.

For newborn babies, the first dose is ideally given within 24 hours of birth, and it is followed by two or three more doses that are administered within the first six months of their life. The ones who missed getting the vaccine should not get worried, as it is also recommended that one can get vaccines at any point up to age 59, and adults who are 60 and older can also consider it if they are at increased risk of infection.

Things to consider while getting vaccinated

The vaccine is administered as a series of shots, which are usually three doses that happen over six months.

It has been noted that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing hepatitis B infection, and even the scope of any potential long-term complications, like liver cancer.

If you are unsure whether you should be vaccinated, it is recommended to first consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. First, better clarity over the issue.