HEPATITIS B VACCINE

The hepatitis B vaccine protects against infection with the hepatitis B virus.

The vaccine is a synthetic vaccine.

It is 90% effective in children but is less effective in those over 30.

The vaccine is given at six weeks, three months and five months.

Most people recover from hepatitis B but some people can become chronic carriers and the virus can stay in the liver and lead to liver damage and cancer.

People with Hepatitis B can pass the virus on to others through blood or sexual intercourse.

By preventing infection with Hep B, the vaccine can prevent liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B.

Over 1 billion doses of Hepatitis B vaccine have been used since 1981 with an outstanding record of safety and efficacy.