Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It often causes short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) illness. Hepatitis B is spread by contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It can be spread through sharing personal items, such as razors and toothbrushes. Hepatitis B is found in Canada and all over the world. It is very common in certain parts of the world.
What are the risks of getting Hepatitis B?
- Half of the people infected with the virus are not visibly sick. Up to 10% of them will have a chronic liver infection and carry the disease for the rest of their lives.
- Carriers spread the disease without knowing it. Between 15-25% of carriers will die early of chronic liver disease (e.g. cancer, cirrhosis).
- Hepatitis B is the number one cause of liver cancer in the world.
- Each year, more than 20,000 children and adults in Canada get acute hepatitis B. Each year, 400 people with chronic hepatitis B in Canada die. Another 80 will die from liver cancer.
- Of those who are infected with acute hepatitis B, 1% will die within weeks of infection. About 90% of others may be ill for many weeks and may need to be treated in hospital.
- Although people infected at a younger age are less likely to develop symptoms, they are more likely to stay infected for life. They become carriers and infect others through sexual contact and contact with blood products. They are also more likely to develop liver problems.
- In Alberta, most new cases are seen in young adults.
Getting the Hepatitis B vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.
How well does the vaccine work?
- After 3 doses, it gives 95% protection against hepatitis B infection. The rates of hepatitis B disease in Canada have largely decreased since the introduction of routine hepatitis B immunization programs.
What is in the vaccine?
- There are no live viruses in the vaccine. You can’t get the disease from the vaccine.
When is the vaccine given?
- It is given at 2, 4 and 6 months old as part of a babies routine vaccination schedule.
- A series of 3 injections is offered to grade 5 students over a 6-month period in the school immunization program.
- Newborns of hepatitis B chronic carrier mothers are given 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine: at birth or in hospital, at 2 months old and at 6 months old.
What are the risks with immunization?
- This vaccine has been used in Canada since 1982.
- There are usually no side effects. Mild reactions can include redness, warmth or swelling where the needle was given.
- Sometimes slight fever, headache or tiredness occur.
As with any vaccine, unexpected or unusual reactions can happen. Severe allergic reactions are very rare.