The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in a person’s body. It is about the size of a football and weighs about 3 pounds in the average-sized person. The liver is located on the upper right side of a person’s body, behind the lower ribs.
Almost all the blood in a person’s body passes through the liver. The liver performs hundreds of functions, including storing nutrients; removing waste products and worn-out cells from the blood; filtering and processing chemicals in food, alcohol and medications; and producing bile, a solution that helps digest fats and eliminate waste products.
For more information on Hepatitis-B see the CDC's website HERE
Indication and Cause
Hepatitis-B vaccine is for the prevention of Hepatitis-B which is serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis-B virus (HBV).
Symptoms and Statistics
Acute infection with hepatitis B virus is associated with acute viral hepatitis - an illness that begins with general ill-health, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, body aches, mild fever, dark urine, and then progresses to development of jaundice. It has been noted that itchy skin has been an indication as a possible symptom of all hepatitis virus types.
Who should get vaccinated with the Hepatitis-B Vaccine?
Persons who EAT OUT and TRAVEL especially in foreign countries with high or inter mediated prevalence of Hepatitis-B. These places include Eastern Europe, Russia, and Japan, where 2-7% of the population is chronically infected, the disease is predominantly spread among children). High risk area are China and South East Asia, transmission during childbirth is most common, although in other areas of high endemicity such as Africa, transmission during childhood is a significant factor. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in areas of high endemicity is at least 8%.. You may come home from your vacation with MORE than just memories.
Transmission of Hepatitis-B Vaccine?
Transmission results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood. Possible forms of transmission include (but are not limited to) unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles & syringes, and vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth. Without intervention, a mother who is positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen confers a 20% risk of passing the infection to her offspring at the time of birth. HBV can be transmitted between family members within households, possibly by contact of nonintact skin or mucous membrane with secretions or saliva containing HBV.
Administration and Dosing
For travelers, the Hepatitis-B vaccine should be administered at least one month before traveling to provide the best protection. For complete protection, Three doses are required for lasting protection (life time). The initial dose, a second dose two (2) months later and the final dose six (6) months later after the first dose.
Common (Adverse) Side Effects
Usually mild problems: soreness at the site of injection, possible headache, tiredness (approximately 1 out of 12 adults). The safety of Hepatitis-B vaccine for pregnant women has not been determined. But there is no evidence that it is harmful to either pregnant women or their unborn babies. The risk, if any is thought to be very low.
Conclusion
Receiving the Hepatitis-B vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.
HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION Q & A Form
Printable PDF Version ->
ALVARADO MEDICAL PLAZA PHARMACY 5555 Reservoir Dr., Suite 114, San Diego, CA 92120 Ph. 619.287.5035 * Fax 619.287.5098
SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE FOR HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION
Patient Name: ________________________
Assessment Date: ____/____/20____
Weight _____(lbs) _____(kgs)
Date of Birth: ____/____/_____
PATIENTS: The following questions will help us determine if the Hepatitis-B vaccine is appropriate to administer to you today. If a question is not clear, please ask the Pharmacist to further explain
YES
NO
Don't Know
1. Are you ill (sick) today
2. Have you received a Hepatitis-B shot in the past If yes, do you remember when (best estimate date ____/____/____)
3. If you had a Hepatitis-B shot in the past, did you have a serious allergic reaction after receiving a vaccination?
4. Are you aware that Hepatitis-B Vaccine is a "three-series"
shot (e.g. first not now, second shot (booster) in 1 month and the final third shot (booster in 6 months)
5. Are you allergic to any medications or foods? (If so please list)
6. Are you Left Handed Right Handed
7. FOR WOMEN: Are you pregnant or is there a chance you could become pregnant in the next three months?
I have read, or have had explained to me, the question listed above. I have had the opportunity to ask questions that were answered to my satisfaction. I have read and been provided the current Hepatitis-B VIS (Vaccination Information Statement) published by the CDC. I understand the benefits and risks of the vaccination cited and request this vaccination to be administered intramuscularly to myself or the person listed above (for whom I am authorized to make this request). For first time vaccinations, I understand that it is essential that I remain on location for approximately 15 (fifteen) minutes following administration.
Form consent/completed by: ____________________________ Date: ____/____/20___
---OFFICE USE ONLY--- Vaccination Administered by: ___________________________ Did the patient experience any reaction? YES NO
Get the CDC "What you need to know" sheet.
