Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a very common disease in Nigeria and affects people of all ages. It is most commonly spread by exposure to infected bodily fluids such as blood or sexual contact.

Symptoms are variable and include yellowing of the eyes, abdominal pain and dark urine. Some people, particularly children, don't experience any symptoms. In chronic cases, medication is required and more severe cases can lead to liver failure, cancer or scarring.

A blood test is required to diagnose the condition. Hepatitis B is a chronic infection and no known cure exists. It is managed by a medical specialist to prevent complications.

Who should get vaccinated:

• Infants below the age of 6 months.
• Children and adolescents younger than 19 who have not been vaccinated before.
• Unvaccinated adults who are at risk of contracting the Hepatitis B virus infection.

It protects against:

• Hepatitis B

Special notes

This vaccine is administered in 3 doses. The second dose is administered 1 month after the first dosage and the third is administered 6 months after the second dose.

In children, it is administered as part of the pentavalent vaccine. Adults can opt to either have the vaccine separately or in combination with Hepatitis A vaccine.