Hepatitis B (HB)

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Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.
The hepatitis B vaccine protects against a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that can permanently damage the liver. It is the most common cause of liver cancer. You need your liver to digest food and help remove waste from your body. People with the disease usually become tired, feverish, lose their appetite and sometimes get yellow skin and eyes (called jaundice). Most people get well but about 10% will carry the virus for life and can keep infecting other people.
The hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person.

Who should get the vaccine?

It is recommended to anyone who is at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus.
All grade 7 students in Ontario are offered a two dose series of HB vaccine in school that is publicly funded (free). In addition, this vaccine is funded in Ontario for the following:

• Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B
• Household and sexual contacts of chronic carriers and acute cases
• Anyone on renal dialysis or anyone needing frequent blood transfusions
• Anyone waiting for a liver transplant
• Intravenous drug users
• Men who have sex with men and anyone who has multiple sexual partners
• Anyone who has had a needle stick injury in a non-healthcare setting
• Children under the age of 7 whose families have immigrated from an area where there is a high rate of hepatitis B.
• Anyone with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis C

Those who do not qualify for publicly funded (free) vaccine may buy the vaccine through their health care provider. Some health plans cover the cost of the vaccine.

How well does the vaccine work?

The hepatitis B vaccine can be given at any time but works best if given between the ages of 5 and 15, when studies have shown it to be 95 - 99% effective. People who are obese, who smoke, who have alcoholism and/or whose immune systems are compromised may not develop as high of an immune response to the vaccine as others.
No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop hepatitis B after receiving the vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.
Who should not get this vaccine?
A health care provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:

• Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:

RecombivaxHB® contains: yeast, hepatitis B surface antigen, amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate, sodium borate, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, latex (in the vial stopper).

Engerix®-B contains: hepatitis B surface antigen, aluminum hydroxide, yeast. This product may contain latex.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

The hepatitis B vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given. Some people may develop a headache, a low grade fever, nausea or feel tired for a day or two after the vaccine. Serious side effects are rare.
This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

There are no other treatments to prevent this disease. If you become ill with this disease you may develop immunity.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.

When should I seek medical attention?

Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40C or 104F)
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Crying for several hours
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Any other unexpected effects

If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.

What else do I need to know?

After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.
The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:

• Use the secure on-line form on our website (www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline)
• Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
• Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
• Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
• Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)

A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.