Hepatitis B Vaccine - Benefits, dosage and side effects

The hepatitis B vaccine isvaccine to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis B vaccine is one type of vaccination that is mandatory for children.

The hepatitis B vaccine contains inactivated hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). This vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the virus.

Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids from people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B virus that persists and persists in a person's body can become a chronic disease and cause dangerous complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B vaccine trademarks:Engerix-B

What is Hepatitis B Vaccine

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryVaccine
BenefitPrevent hepatitis B virus infection
Consumed byBaby to adult
Hepatitis B vaccine for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether the hepatitis B vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers are advised to consult a doctor before using this vaccine.

Drug formInject

Warning Before Undergoing Hepatitis B Vaccination

The following are some things you need to pay attention to before undergoing vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Hepatitis B vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this vaccine.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine booster should not be given to someone who has had an allergic reaction to this vaccine before.
  • Tell your doctor if you are suffering from an infectious disease or fever. Hepatitis B vaccine will be postponed until symptoms improve.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, a weakened immune system, liver disease, or blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia.
  • Tell your doctor if you are undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant drugs.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking supplements, herbal products, or medications, including anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Dosage and Schedule

Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 42 of 2013 and No. 12 of 2017 concerning the administration of immunization, the administration of hepatitis B vaccine is one of the mandatory immunizations given to children.

World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that all infants receive their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

The dose of hepatitis B vaccine will be adjusted according to the age and condition of the patient, as well as the intended use of the drug. Here are the details:

  • Adults >18 years old: 0.5–1 ml, 3 times. Vaccine administration schedule is calculated with month 0 as the first dose, followed by month 1 and month 6.
  • Infants and children:0.5 ml, 3 times. For primary hepatitis vaccine, the first dose is given immediately after the baby is born. Subsequent doses are given at 2, 3, and 4 months of age. Hepatitis B vaccine booster given from 18 months of age.

Hepatitis B vaccine for children is one type of mandatory immunization. The hepatitis B vaccine is also intended for all adults without exception. However, it is recommended to do an HBsAg test first.

In addition, special attention in administering hepatitis B vaccine needs to be given to high-risk groups, such as health workers, injecting drug users, someone who has more than 1 sexual partner and does not use condoms, people with chronic kidney failure, liver disease, or someone with a weak immune system.

How to Give Hepatitis B Vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM). This vaccine injection is carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor at a health facility.

Vaccination will be postponed if during the examination you have a fever or are known to be suffering from an acute infectious disease. Hepatitis B vaccine will be given 3 times. Follow the vaccine injection schedule given by the doctor. Post-vaccination antibody titers can be checked 1-3 months after the last vaccination.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Interaction with Other Drugs

The effects of drug interactions can occur if the hepatitis B vaccine is used with certain drugs, including:

  • Decreased effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccine when used with immunosuppressant drugs, such as belimumab, budesonide, or ciclosporin
  • Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin

Hepatitis B Vaccine Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the common side effects that can occur after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine are:

  • Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of certain symptoms, such as an itchy rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.

In addition, you need to see a doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects that are rare, such as:

  • Fever or swollen lymph nodes
  • Dizziness so heavy that you want to faint
  • Seizures