Why is it Important to Have a Hepatitis B Vaccine?
If you’re travelling to a country where hepatitis B is common, and especially if you’ll be undertaking activities that increase your risk of infection, you should get a hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood and bodily fluids of an infected person. Having sexual intercourse, injecting drugs, or participating in contact sports while travelling can all increase your risk. Continue reading to learn more about the hepatitis B vaccine in Bury, Greater Manchester.
Who needs a hepatitis B vaccine?
Anyone who plans to travel abroad for an extended period of time or who may require medical attention while overseas is advised to have the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis B is present all around the world, though it is more frequent in the following areas:
– Africa
– Asia
– Arab countries
– Europe’s south and east
Hepatitis B immunisation typically consists of three doses. These can be stretched out over a period of 6 months or as little as 3 weeks, depending on how quickly you need protection.
All infants should be immunised against hepatitis B. This is because the infection can continue in infants for many years and eventually result in consequences such as liver scarring or liver cancer.
The 6-in-1 vaccine that is administered to all infants at the ages of 8, 12, and 16 weeks includes a hepatitis B vaccine.
Babies at risk of contracting hepatitis B from infected mothers receive additional hepatitis B vaccine doses at birth, four weeks, and one year of age.
Although the danger of contracting hepatitis B is low in the UK, the vaccine is also administered to children and people in high-risk categories. Individuals who are at risk of contracting hepatitis B or experiencing severe complications should also consider vaccination.
Where can I acquire a hepatitis B vaccine in Bury, Greater Manchester for travel?
Before you jet off, it’s important to ensure that any required immunisations are up to date.
If you have any vaccination records, tell the pharmacist what you’ve had in the past.
Whether or not your GP is registered to give free NHS travel vaccines is an important question you should ask. Not every GP is signed up to offer vaccinations.
If your GP does not offer travel vaccinations through the NHS, you can try a:
– Private travel vaccination clinic
– Pharmacy that offers travel-related health services
A pharmacist can provide you with general information on travel immunisations and health issues, such as how to protect yourself from hepatitis B. If you require additional doses of your UK immunisations, they can provide them to you. Nevertheless, not all travel vaccinations are available for free on the NHS.
If your GP practice is registered to deliver NHS travel vaccines, you can get them for free. The GP may charge for other non-NHS travel immunisations.
Other things to consider
When it comes to travel vaccines, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
– Your age and health – you may be more susceptible to infection than others; certain vaccines are not recommended for those who have specific medical issues.
– Working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more infections while working in a refugee camp or assisting after a natural disaster.
– Working in a medical facility – healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses may need further immunisations.
– Animal contact – you may be more susceptible to diseases spread by animals, such as rabies, if you have contact with them.
If you’re just visiting Northern and Central Europe, North America, or Australia, the Hepatitis B immunisation isn’t necessary. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re up to date on the basic vaccines that the NHS offers.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Hepatitis B vaccination is absolutely safe. Side effects are very rare, with the exception of a little redness and pain at the site of injection.
How effective is the hepatitis B vaccine?
Hepatitis B vaccination is quite effective. Hepatitis B protection is developed in about 9 out of 10 persons who get vaccinated.
It’s possible that the vaccine won’t be very effective in persons who:
– Are over 40 years old
– Are obese or overweight
– Smoke
– Are alcoholics, particularly those with advanced liver disease
The hepatitis B vaccine may not function as well as it should if you have a weaker immune system or are on renal dialysis. You may require more frequent doses.
If you have exposed yourself to the hepatitis B virus and haven’t been vaccinated previously, you should seek medical attention immediately as you may benefit from the hepatitis B vaccine.
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This blog post was written on behalf of Pimhole Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.