What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. Some people who get hepatitis B never feel sick. Others develop flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and nausea. Some become very ill with fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stools and jaundice (yellowish colour of the skin and eyes). Less than one per cent of the severely ill will die. If you are infected with hepatitis B (whether you are ill or not), you can pass the virus to other people.

About 6-10 per cent of adults who are infected with hepatitis B go on to become chronic carriers. Carriers continue to carry the virus in their blood and body fluids for life and can pass the virus to others. People who are carriers of the hepatitis B virus can look healthy but many may develop cirrhosis or cancer of the liver later in life.

How is hepatitis B spread?

The virus is spread to other people by sexual contact and contact with blood and certain body fluids. Hepatitis B is not spread by coughing or sneezing, by water, food or casual contact. Blood must enter a break in the skin or be absorbed through the mucous membrane (e.g. eyes, mouth). The virus can be passed during the initial infection or by a person who is a carrier. A mother who is carrying the hepatitis B virus can pass it to her baby during childbirth. The two most common ways of spreading hepatitis B in Canada are sexual activity and IV drug use.

Why is the vaccine important?

Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections only. Because hepatitis B is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not work. The hepatitis B vaccine protects individuals against the hepatitis B virus. The virus causes about 80% of all cancers of the liver and can damage the liver forever. Also, it is important for students to receive the hepatitis B vaccine now because they may be at risk in certain occupations later in life. Higher risk occupations include:
· First aid providers
· Lifeguards
· Doctors
· Nurses
· Health care workers
· Dentists
· Police
· Firefighters
· Any occupation involving contact with blood

What are the benefits of vaccination?

The benefits to those receiving the hepatitis B vaccine are protection against:
· Hepatitis B, a viral infectious disease of the liver
· Cancer of the liver or permanent liver damage which may result from chronic hepatitis B infection

How is the vaccine administered?

The hepatitis B vaccine schedule offered at school clinics involves two separate injections; given four to six months apart during the school year it is voluntary but you must have both injections to be fully protected. Normally the cost of two injections, if purchased from the pharmacy and given by your doctor, would be about $100. The hepatitis B vaccine can be given in a two or three dose series. Currently, the school program is administering two doses of vaccine, four to six months apart.

How to prevent hepatitis B?

Get the hepatitis B vaccine. A nurse gives the vaccine by injection two times during the school year. Both injections must be received to be fully protected.
· Practice safe sex. Use condoms every time. Limit number of partners or abstain from having sex.
· Never share needles and syringes.
· Never share toothbrushes, razors, nail files or other personal items that may have tiny amounts of blood on them. (The virus lives in dry blood for up to seven days).
· For activities that cut the skin, such as tattooing or ear/body piercing, be sure the equipment is sterilized.

Do students have to get the vaccine?

No, students have a choice. Hepatitis B immunization is voluntary and is not a requirement to attend school.

Where can I get a consent form?

Students will be given consent forms and information prior to the immunization clinic dates at their school. Parents should have a discussion about the hepatitis B immunization with their children.

Please read and discuss the above information with your parent/child. Check for the dates of your local school's clinic and bring the signed consent form with you.

HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION CLINICS AT SCHOOL

Top Tips to Remember When You're Getting a Needle

Before the clinic date
· Have your parent/guardian sign the consent form
· Return the consent form to your school

On the day of the clinic
· Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast and lunch
· Wear loose short sleeves or loose fitting tops to ensure the upper arm can be easily exposed for injection

Just before you get your shot
· Keep a positive attitude. This needle will benefit your health
· Talk to the nurse about another topic to distract yourself
· Relax your arm. Let it go limp. This makes a needle much less painful
· Don't look when the nurse gives the injection
· Keep very still. Don't move or jerk your arm
· When you finish give yourself a pat on the back
· Be a role model. Set a good example
· Use your arm normally afterwards. Resume normal activity
· Remain on school property for 20 minutes in case you have any type of reaction

Here is the Important Stuff You Need to Know
1. You need the full series of injections.
2. Hepatitis B Virus is spread by these body fluids:  blood, semen and vaginal fluids.
3. Never share toothbrushes, razors or nail files.

Who Signs the Dotted Line?

Consent forms will be distributed in the fall to each student in grade seven by Public Health Nurses.  Parents are to read and review the consent form with their child.  Parents who want their child to receive the vaccine at a school-based clinic, must sign the form and send it back to the school.

If you DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD to receive the hepatitis B vaccine, DO NOT SIGN the consent form and DO NOT RETURN it to the school.

Should you wish your child to receive the vaccine at Public Health, please call 352-7270.

NOTE:  This is publicly funded vaccine given only through Public Health and is NOT ROUTINELY AVAILABLE from your family doctor.

Adacel

Vaccines (needles or baby shots) are the best way to protect people against some very serious infections. The Canadian Paediatric Society and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommend routine immunization. The dTap vaccine protects people aged 11 to 54 years against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario (unless exempted).

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious disease of the nose, throat and skin. It is passed to others through coughing and sneezing. It causes sore throat, fever and chills. It can be complicated by breathing problems, heart failure and nerve damage.

Treatment for diphtheria includes an antitoxin, followed by antibiotics. However, it is becoming more difficult to treat the diphtheria bacteria due to antibiotic resistance. Diphtheria kills 1 out of every 10 people who get the disease.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus or lockjaw is a serious disease that can happen if dirt with the tetanus bacteria gets into a cut in the skin. Tetanus bacteria are found everywhere, usually in soil, dust and manure. It does not spread from person to person. Tetanus causes cramping of the muscles in the neck, arms, leg and stomach and painful convulsions which can be severe enough to break bones. Even with early treatment, tetanus kills 2 out of every 10 people who get it.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis or whooping cough is a serious disease that can infect people of any age. Adolescents and adults are the most common source of infection for infants and young children. Pertussis spreads very easily through coughing or sneezing. Pertussis can cause spells of violent coughing which leads to vomiting. The cough may cause breathing to stop for a short period of time. The cough can last for weeks and make it hard to eat, drink or even breathe.

Is there a vaccine against these diseases?

There are vaccines against all three of these diseases. When the recommended number of shots of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine are given, over 85% of people are protected against diphtheria, over 95% of people are protected against tetanus and about 85% of people are protected against pertussis. Vaccination also makes these diseases milder for those who may catch them.

When should the vaccine be given?

The dTap vaccine is given to people between the ages of 11 and 54 years. Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis usually begins in infancy and continues in childhood. Booster doses against diphtheria and tetanus are required every 10 years for continued protection. A booster dose of acellular pertussis vaccine is recommended in adolescence or adulthood.

Is the dTap vaccine safe?

Yes. Side effects of the dTap vaccine are usually mild and last only a few days after getting the needle. Mild pain, swelling and redness are common at the spot where the needle was given. People who receive too frequent doses of the vaccine may have more pain and swelling at the injection site. A few people may get a mild fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite or feel tired for a day or two after the dTap vaccine. More serious side effects are rare.

If I notice something unusual after the vaccine is given, when should I see a doctor?

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

• High fever (over 40°or 104°F)
• Convulsions or seizures
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Other serious problems

Who should not get the vaccine?

The dTap vaccine should not be given to people if they have:

• A high fever or serious infection worse than a cold
• Had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis vaccine
• A severe allergy to any component of the vaccine, such as aluminum or 2-phenoxyethanol (preservative)

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 you feel well before getting the vaccine.

Who should I talk to if I have any more questions about the dTap vaccine?

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

Source: Halton Region Health Department

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