About the hepatitis B virus
The history of hepatitis B vaccination
About hepatitis B vaccinations
Side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine
When is hepatitis B given?
Considerations if declining hepatitis B vaccination
NOTE: Before reading about hepatitis B vaccination, you should be aware of the terms 'vaccination' and 'immunisation'. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference in their meanings.
Vaccination refers to an injection of a substance that is aimed at setting up an 'immune response' in a person's body to protect them against an infectious virus, or disease. A vaccination does not always guarantee 'immunity' - as some people can be vaccinated but still not develop a 'protection' or immunity against the infection, whereas 'immunisation' is the body's successful 'response' to being vaccinated.
About the hepatitis B virus
Babies and hepatitis B
Risks to babies
When the mother carries the hepatitis B virus
Adults and hep B
Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause an infection of the liver. Caregivers often refer to it as 'Hep B'. If an adult becomes infected with the Hep B virus, about 50% will show signs of illness while the remaining 50% will become infected, but not experience any ill health (therefore will not be aware they are carrying the virus unless they have a blood test).
The Hepatitis B virus has an incubation period of around 45 to 180 days before signs of illness could emerge. If the person does become unwell, they are said to have 'acute hepatitis'. The signs of hepatitis can include: