Active immunisation against hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Vaccine is indicated for active immunization against infection caused by all known subtypes of Hepatitis B virus. As Hepatitis D (caused by the delta virus) does not occur in the absence of Hepatitis B infection, it can be expected that Hepatitis D will also be prevented by Hepatitis B vaccination.
Immunization is recommended in persons of all ages, especially those who are, or will be, at increased risk of exposure to Hepatitis B virus, for example:
A baby whose mother is infected can be infected at birth.
Children, adolescents, and adults can become infected by:
- Contact with blood and body fluids through breaks in the skin such as bites, cuts, or sores
- Contact with objects that have blood or body fluids on them such as toothbrushes, razors or monitoring and treatment devices for diabetes
- Having unprotected sex with an infected person
- Sharing needles when injecting drugs
- Being stuck with a used needle
- Household contacts of people infected with Hepatitis B
- Residents and staff in institutions for the developmental^ disabled
- Kidney dialysis patients
- People who travel to countries where Hepatitis B is common
- People with HIV infection
- Persons with hemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, cirrhosis
Military personnel identified as being at increased risk.
Morticians and Embalmers.
Prisoners.
Users of illicit injectable drugs.
Others: Police, fire department personnel, who render first aid or medical assistance, and any others who, through their work or personal life-style, may be exposed to the Hepatitis B virus.