Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus is responsible for causing Hepatitis A, which can spread through consumption of contaminated food or water and contact with an infected individual. The incubation period for acute hepatitis caused by HAV generally takes approximately 14 to 28 days.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Individuals who are infected with Hepatitis A may not experience any noticeable signs or symptoms, although some might display the following commonly observed symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Tea-coloured urine
- Jaundice (yellowing discolouration of the skin and sclera of the eyes)
What is the mode of transmission for Hepatitis A?
The primary routes through which Hepatitis A is transmitted include:
Faecal-oral route
The transmission of Hepatitis A can occur when a non-infected individual consumes or comes in contact with food that has been contaminated by the fecal matter of an infected person.
Consumption of contaminated shellfish that has not been cooked thoroughly
Hepatitis A virus is often found in shellfish like oysters, clams, mussels and scallops. If these types of shellfish are not properly cooked before consumption, there is a risk of acquiring Hepatitis A infection.
Close contact or sexual contact with an infectious person
What measures can be taken to avoid contracting Hepatitis A?
Practicing proper personal and environmental hygiene habits may aid in the prevention of HAV transmission, as Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated food and water. Additionally, getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A is another effective measure to prevent infection with the virus.
Get Vaccination, Prevent Hepatitis A
The Hepatitis A vaccine is capable of generating protective antibodies to combat HAV infection, and can be administered to individuals who are aged 1 or above including adults and adolescents.
The Hepatitis A vaccination comprises two doses, and the second one should be administered between 6 to 18 months after receiving the first dose.
Who is required to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine?
Individuals who are at an elevated risk of contracting the Hepatitis A virus should consider getting vaccinated:
- Individuals traveling to endemic country / city of Hepatitis A
- Individuals with persistent liver ailments
- Individuals who receive plasma-derived replacement clotting factors for blood-clotting disorder
- Males who engage in sexual activity with other men
Which individuals are ineligible for Hepatitis A vaccination?
Individuals who are not eligible to obtain the Hepatitis A immunization are listed below:
- Individuals who have an allergy to any of the constituents present in the Hepatitis A vaccine
- Individuals with current illness
- Pregnant women (who are advised to seek medical advice before undergoing vaccination)
What are the potential adverse reactions of receiving a Hepatitis A vaccination?
The adverse reactions frequently observed in Hepatitis A immunization are comparable to those of other vaccines and include tenderness, inflammation at the injection area, fever, etc.
Hepatitis B
The Hepatitis B virus is responsible for causing the disease, which can be transmitted through multiple means such as during birth from an infected mother to her child, exposure to contaminated blood or body fluids and sexual contact. The duration between infection and manifestation can range from 30 -180 days with an average interval of 75 days.
With inadequate medical management and therapy, Hepatitis B can advance towards chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, i.e. liver cancer.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Individuals infected with Hepatitis B may not exhibit any visible indications or symptoms of the virus, however certain individuals may experience some common symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Tea-coloured urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of eyes)
What is the mode of transmission for Hepatitis B?
Social interactions such as sharing eating utensils, dining together, shaking hands or kissing pose no risk of transmitting Hepatitis B. However, the virus can be transmitted through various other means which are commonly found as follows:
Mother-to-child transmission
Mothers who are chronically infected with hepatitis B have the potential to pass on the virus to their newborns during childbirth.
Exposure to the blood or bodily fluids of an individual carrying an infection
– Exposure to an infected person’s bodily fluids or blood upon a breach in skin integrity, or mucosal membranes within oral and ocular regions
– Sharing injection apparatuses
– Using personal items that may contain traces of contaminated blood from individuals with infectious diseases like razors, shavers and nail clipper
– Employing medical equipment with inadequate sterilization
– Using contaminated instruments for ear-piercing, tattooing or acupuncture
– Transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products
Sexual contact
HBV infection may result from incorrect or inconsistent use of condoms during sexual activity
What measures can be taken to avoid contracting Hepatitis B?
To prevent the transmission of blood-borne diseases like HBV, it is advisable to refrain from sharing personal grooming items such as razors and nail clippers. Injection equipment, including needles, should also not be shared. Proper handling of open wounds is also essential in preventing infection. During sexual intercourse, condoms must be used correctly to avoid infection risks effectively. Additionally, individuals can reduce their chances of contracting Hepatitis B by receiving a vaccination against this disease.
Get Vaccination, Prevent Hepatitis B
Individuals who are aged 16 and above are eligible to receive the hepatitis B vaccine, which is effective in producing antibody levels that protect against HBV infection.
The Hepatitis B vaccine consists of three doses, whereby administering the 2nd dose should be done after a month has passed since receiving the first dose. The final and third dosage should follow five months after the 2nd one.
Who is required to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Individuals who have an increased likelihood of contracting the Hepatitis B virus should receive immunization against it:
- Individuals with a high risk of contracting chronic hepatitis B, ranging from close family members (parents, siblings and offspring) or sexual partners
- Drug abusers
- Men engaging in sexual activities with other men
- Individuals living with HIV/AIDS
- Individuals receiving blood or its components on a regular basis for medical purposes
- Patients undergoing dialysis treatment
- Healthcare workers potentially exposed to bodily fluids while providing medical services
Which individuals are ineligible for Hepatitis B vaccination?
Individuals with allergies to any of the elements within the Hepatitis B vaccine are advised against receiving it.
What are the potential adverse reactions of receiving a Hepatitis B vaccination?
The adverse reactions frequently observed in Hepatitis B immunization are comparable to those of other vaccines and include tenderness, inflammation at the injection area, fever, etc.
Humansa Hepatitis A & B Vaccination Package (with GP consultation)
Plan name
Hepatitis A Vaccine
2-dose package
(apply to aged 19 and above)
2-dose package
(apply to aged 18 and under)
Hepatitis B Vaccine
3-dose package
(apply to aged 16 and above)
Hepatitis A & B Combined Vaccine
3-dose package
(apply to aged 16 and above)
FAQs of Hepatitis A & B
Individuals who have recovered from Hepatitis A typically develop immunity to the HAV infection and may not require vaccination. It is possible to conduct a blood analysis to validate the existence of protective antibodies against Hepatitis A before administering the vaccine.
It is crucial for individuals with Hepatitis B to undergo frequent medical check-ups as preventative measures are vital in preventing HBV infection. Before opting for vaccination against Hepatitis B, a blood examination for both Hepatitis B surface antigen and Hepatitis B surface antibody is recommended. Based on the outcome of this test, further follow-up procedures will be required as mentioned below:
HBsAg (+) & HBsAb (-): Infected with HBV
Prompt action to consult with a medical professional and maintain regular check-ups required
HBsAg (-) & HBsAb (+): Not infected with HBV
Defensive antibodies against HBV are detected
HBsAg (-) & HBsAb (-): Not infected with HBV
Defensive antibodies against HBV are not detected, necessitating administration of Hepatitis B vaccination
The treatment for hepatitis A is mainly supportive as there is no specific cure available. The primary focus of the treatment revolves around sustaining health through rehydration therapy after vomiting and diarrhea.
Patients with Hepatitis B may need antiviral drugs to manage the viral load, minimize the likelihood of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Depending on individual cases, it is crucial for patients to seek periodic medical follow-ups and consultations in order to track and evaluate the state of their liver health. This can involve a range of check-up procedures such as viral load blood tests, alpha-fetoprotein testing, evaluating liver functioning and also undergoing abdominal ultrasound scans at regular intervals.
The above information is for reference only and shall not be considered as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for further enquiries.