The hepatitis B vaccine - A must!

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can present as an acute infection or in a chronic state. The liver is the organ most affected by the disease, often ending in failure that proves fatal.

Hepatitis B is transmitted when the virus enters the body through infected blood or blood products and bodily fluids of a person carrying the virus.

Hepatitis B is a vaccine given in 3 doses to the infants. Sometimes a combination vaccine is also given that contains the hepatitis B vaccine.

In adults, the importance of hepatitis B vaccine is magnified. Though all adults are eligible for a hepatitis B vaccine, there are specific high-risk groups in whom the vaccine is a must. These include:

1. People having multiple sex partners.


2. Men having sex with men.


3. Intravenous drug users.


4. Pregnant women.


5. Sex partners and family members living in close association with an infected person.


6. Persons travelling abroad.


7. Patients undergoing treatment for kidney failure.


8. People with diabetes type 1 or 2.

In adults the schedule is as follows:

1. 1st dose on an appropriate day.


2. 2nd dose a month after the first dose.


3. 3rd dose 6 months from the first dose.