Vaccination and Treatment

Not everyone will need vaccination. Some people have Antibodies from a previous infection that they did not know about. This can be checked by a blood test. Hepatitis B Vaccine To have full protection from Hepatitis B you need three or four  separate doses of the vaccine. A nurse will probably give you the injection into a muscle in your arm. The first injection is usually followed by one a month later and another at six months. In some circumstances you can receive a rapid course of injections over one month. It is important that you complete the course since you will not have full protection until after the third injection.  Booster doses may be required. Your doctor may recommend that you have a blood test two to four months after the final injection to determine whether the vaccine has worked. A few people find out at this time that the vaccine has not been effective. If this happens, then your doctor may suggest a repeat course of injections. Who should have the hepatitis B vaccine? If you have hepatitis B then your partner, children and other household members should go and request a vaccination. Since there is no risk of infection from social contact, occasional visitors and friends do not need protection.  You should also have Hepatitis B vaccine if your lifestyle puts you at risk of infection.  Treating acute hepatitis B Most people with acute hepatitis B do not need treatment, but you should seek advice from your doctor.  Some people do require hospital admission.  You may feel more tired than usual and need rest, but will eventually recover. If this happens, you will have acquired life-long protection against the Virus. Treatment for people with Chronic hepatitis B If you have hepatitis B for more than six months you may benefit from treatment. You will need to see a specialist regularly to detect any damage to your liver. If your liver function test shows results your specialist is concerned about, you may be offered treatment for your hepatitis B.  In Lanarkshire, treatment for hepatitis B infection is co-ordinated through Lanarkshire HIV, AIDS & Hepatitis Centre (LHAHC) or the Hepatology Service at Hairmyres Hospital. people with HIV and chronic viral hepatitis, it is common to use the term "Co-infection". For more information on testing and treatment you could contact the Lanarkshire HIV, AIDS & Hepatitis Centre t: 01236 712247 / 712246

Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 December 2011 )

 

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