Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). There are around 150 new cases of hepatitis B reported each year in Ontario.

HBV is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. In Canada, HBV is mainly spread through unprotected sexual contact. The virus can also be spread by sharing needles, by body and ear piercing, by tattooing, and by being stuck with a used needle on the job. An infected mother can pass the virus to a baby during birth. Rarely, HBV can be spread by a bite from an infected person.

Some people with hepatitis B have no symptoms and may infect others without knowing. People with hepatitis B often become tired, feverish, lose their appetite, have vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes get yellow skin and eyes (called "jaundice").

People at higher risk for hepatitis B include:

• Health care and emergency service workers who are frequently exposed to blood and body fluids
• Residents and staff of institutions for the developmentally challenged
• People who have more than 1 sexual partner in 6 months
• Men who have sex with other men
• Household and sexual contacts of infected people
• People who inject street drugs
• Staff and inmates of long-term correctional facilities
• Hemophiliacs and others receiving repeated infusions of blood or blood products
• Haemodialysis patients
• Children in child care settings in which there is an HBV infected child
• People who travel to or live in communities in which HBV infection is high
• Children less than 7 years old whose families have immigrated from countries where HBV infection is high, and who may be exposed to HBV carriers through their extended families
• Babies born to infected mothers

Can hepatitis B be treated?

Some people who are seriously ill may be given a medication to help fight the virus. However, most people get well on their own. About 1 percent of infected people die.

About 90 percent of infants and 10 percent of older people who become infected will carry the virus for life. Even though these "carriers" have no symptoms, they can infect other people. Hepatitis B can cause liver damage and liver cancer.

Yes. The hepatitis B vaccine protects 90 % or more of healthy adults and 98% or more of children.

The hepatitis B vaccine should be given to people who are at higher risk for hepatitis B infection. Anyone who wants to decrease the chance of getting HBV should also get the vaccine.

Hepatitis B vaccine is a series of 2 – 4 shots, depending on the brand of vaccine, the person’s age, and the reason the vaccine is being given. If the vaccine is given prior to exposure to HBV, the series of 2 – 3 shots is usually complete within 6 months. If it is given after exposure to prevent infection, 4 shots over a year may be needed. Babies born to HBV infected mother should be given the first dose of vaccine within 12 hours of birth. (see link on right) 

Your health care provider will review the schedule with you prior to the first dose of vaccine.

The hepatitis B vaccine is very safe. The most frequent side effect is mild soreness, swelling and redness where the vaccine is given. Some people get a mild fever (no greater than 37.7⁰ C). Side effects go away after a day or two. Serious side effects are rare.

Hepatitis B vaccine can be used safely in pregnancy and during breastfeeding for women in whom vaccination is recommended.

Serious side effects or allergic reactions can occur with any medication, including vaccines. See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if any of the following symptoms develop within 3 days of getting the hepatitis B vaccine:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• trouble breathing
• high fever (over 40⁰ C or 104⁰ F)
• very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• convulsions or seizures

• other serious problems

Who should not get the hepatitis B vaccine?

This vaccine should not be given to:

• Anyone who had an allergic reaction in the past to hepatitis B vaccine
• Anyone who has an allergy to any component of the vaccine

Tell your health care provider about any allergies, medications, illness, and any previous suspected reactions to a vaccine. These may affect how the vaccine will work. If ill, ask about waiting until feeling well before getting the vaccine.

If you have more questions about hepatitis B vaccine, call your health care provider or Public Health at the number below.

Your health care provider will update your personal immunization record or give you a new one. Keep it in a safe place!

For more information contact Chatham-Kent Public Health at 519-355-1071, ext. 5900 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca