Hepatitis B is an illness that is caused by a virus that attacks the health of the liver. The virus can cause lifelong disease, liver failure, and even death. The vaccine that can protect you against this virus is made for all age groups. The vaccine is recommended to people of all ages and can even be given to adults over 60 who do not have any known risk factors for receiving the vaccine.
The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses. The first shot can be given at any time. New-borns should receive the first dose in the delivery room. The second shot is given at least one month (28 days) after the first dose has been administered. The third dose of the vaccine should be given 16 weeks after the first shot and 2 months after the 2nd dose of the vaccine. Infants should not be given the third shot until they are 24 weeks old.
If you should happen to miss any of the doses in the three-shot series. You do not have to start the vaccine process over again. You can simply get the next shot and then wait for the allotted time period before getting the final dose.
This vaccine is recommended for people of all ages, but it is particularly important that the following people get vaccinated against hepatitis B:
As with any vaccine, there is a possibility that you might suffer a reaction to the vaccine. The common symptoms of a vaccine reaction are:
More serious reactions like swelling or hives on the face and hands, constriction or itching of the throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, or fast heartbeat and dizziness require emergency medical treatment. You should seek emergency care if you are experiencing these symptoms after you have received the hepatitis B vaccine.