A lot of parents tend to miss their child’s vaccination schedule. But this could be dangerous for the child, as they are at risk of getting Hepatitis B. Vaccination is the best solution to eliminate the risk of Hepatitis B and other problems associated with it.
In this blog, Dr. Promilla Butani, a leading pediatrician who provides baby vaccination in Delhi, explains the need of the hour for children to get the Hepatitis B vaccine without fail. Read on for more insights.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a severe liver infection that occurs due to the Hepatitis B virus. A large number of children are likely to suffer from it. It spreads during birth via open cuts and sharing toothbrushes; any infected family member or caretaker can pass the virus to the baby. Below are some examples of the condition's symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Muscle pain
- Dark urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Bad appetite
Here are a Few Key Points to Understand About the Hepatitis B Vaccine:
- Vaccination Schedule: The Hepatitis B vaccine is given as a series of shots to children. The first dose is often given at birth or shortly after birth; the second dose is given at 1 to 2 months of age; and the third dose is given at 6 to 18 months of age. If it is administered in childhood, it does not need to be repeated at any stage. However, if not vaccinated in childhood, all adults must receive this vaccine, irrespective of their age.
- Importance of Getting Vaccinated Early: Vaccinating children against Hepatitis B is important as the virus gets transmitted from the infected mother to her child during childbirth. Infants are protected against possible infections at an early age by receiving the vaccine soon after birth.
- Safe and Effective: The Hepatitis B vaccine has been tested for being completely safe and efficient. It is considered to be extremely safe for children. However, like other vaccines, it might cause mild side effects like soreness at the injection site or fever, which are temporary and not a cause for concern.
- Get Long-lasting Protection: The Hepatitis B vaccine offers lasting immunity against viruses. Once the series of doses is completed, the children are protected from Hepatitis B for several years.
- Combination of Vaccines: Hepatitis B vaccines get combined with other vaccines such as tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), or polio. This helps reduce the number of shots a child requires during the vaccination process.
One must understand that the vaccination guidelines evolve over time, and it is best to seek the help of a pediatrician for the latest information regarding Hepatitis B vaccines for children.
To learn more about Hepatitis B or any other vaccine such as chicken pox, flu vaccine, Hepatitis A, oral polio vaccine, hepatitis B-2, rotavirus, or typhoid conjugate vaccines, book a consultation with Dr. Promilla Butani, a leading pediatrician in Delhi, at Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practice!
