(VIS) ‘What is hepatitis B?’
Doctor Emma Goeman: Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. It can be spread when the blood or body fluids of an infected person come into contact with broken skin of another person. Children can acquire the infection from their mother during pregnancy or birth. It can also spread from other infected close contacts, if there are open sores or wounds or shared personal care items such as razors or toothbrushes. Some infected people may not be aware of their infection as it can be dormant for many years.
(VIS) ‘What happens if my child gets Hep B?’
Doctor Goeman: If a child catches hepatitis B, they usually will not have any symptoms for many years. Occasionally, they may have abdominal pain, especially in the right side where the liver is. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, fever, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Once infected, some people can clear the virus themselves, but if they are infected with hepatitis B during infancy or early childhood, most children will go on to have chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B infection can be managed but not cured with medication, and over time this infection can lead to liver failure or liver cancer in around 20% of people who acquired the infection in childhood.
(VIS) ‘What vaccine will protect my child?’
Doctor Goeman: Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease. Under the National Immunisation Program, babies should receive the free vaccines within the first 7 days after birth and aged 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months for the best possible protection.
(VIS) 'How does the vaccine work?’
Doctor Goeman: The vaccine provides immunity to Hepatitis B to help prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains an inactive and safe form of Hepatitis B and trains your child’s immune system to recognise and protect against the infection. Receiving all the childhood doses of the vaccine is around 97% effective in protecting against Hepatitis B.
(VIS) ‘What are the common reactions or side effects?’
Doctor Goeman: Your child may experience mild side effects from the vaccine, which usually disappear within a few days. Common side effects include redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site, and a mild fever and tiredness.
(VIS) ‘What impact has vaccination had on the prevalence of the disease?’
Doctor Goeman: Vaccination has significantly reduced the number of people becoming infected with hepatitis B in Australia.
(VIS) ‘Where to find more information’
(VIS) ‘Always talk to your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations. For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood’
In this video, Dr Emma Goeman shares how you can protect your child from hepatitis B with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.