Are you aware of hepatitis vaccinations and how many doses you need to receive? In recent years, hepatitis cases have declined significantly in the United States. The reason? Hepatitis vaccinations and other preventive measures. That’s why you should receive the available vaccines to prevent hepatitis infections. Learn how many types of hepatitis vaccinations are available and their guidelines in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

What types of hepatitis vaccination are available?

There are mainly 6 types of viral hepatitis – A, B, C, D, E, and G. However, in the United States generally, 3 types of viral hepatitis are found – A, B, and C. Hepatitis G has been recently discovered by scientists, and that’s why not too much is known about it.

Currently, only hepatitis A and B have vaccines. Hepatitis C vaccines are on trial and may be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the future. The Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) can prevent hepatitis D because it only occurs if you have chronic hepatitis B which cannot be prevented by vaccines. Hepatitis E vaccine is on trial in the US, but available in China. Hepatitis G has no vaccine.

Guidelines for hepatitis vaccinations

According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines, these recommended groups of people can get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, including:

Hepatitis A Vaccine Guidelines

These groups of people who are at risk for hepatitis A should get vaccinated:

• Infants from 12 to 23 months (about 2 years) with 6 months gap between the vaccine doses. If infants miss the vaccination, then from 2 to 18 years they can take the vaccination.
• Men who have sex with other men.
• Anyone who takes illegal injectable drugs.
• People who suffer from chronic liver disease.
• Anyone who receives blood clotting drugs such as people with hemophilia.
• People who take care of hepatitis A-infected primates or are involved in research and handling of the Hepatitis A virus.
• Homeless/people living in temporary housing.
• People with HIV/AIDS.
• People want to be vaccinated against hepatitis A to avoid future infections.
• People who recently got exposed to hepatitis A. They need to get vaccinated with the first dose within 2 weeks of exposure.
• International travelers who are going to visit countries where hepatitis A is common. A good sourceto check about hepatitis A status country by country is to go on the CDC health website and search by the country you want to visit.
• People who adopt or are going to adopt a child from a country where hepatitis A is common.

You should avoid vaccination in case you experience an allergic reaction from the previous dose, or it contains any ingredients that you’re allergic to. So, before taking the vaccine you should consult with your doctor about your allergies or if you’re severely ill at the time of vaccination.

In case you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, only get vaccinated if you’re at risk of getting hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Guidelines

These groups of people who are at risk for hepatitis B should get vaccinated:

• Infants should get the vaccine at birth and the next dose after 6 months.
• People under 60 years of age or younger can get vaccinated.
• People who had sex with a person who has hepatitis B.
• Sexually active people who aren’tin long-term relationships but are monogamous.
• Anyone who is diagnosed or getting treated for an STD.
• Men who have sexual encounters with other men.
• People who use shared needles to inject drugs.
• Anyone who lives with someone who is infected with hepatitis B.
• Anyone whose job is making contact withblood or blood-contaminated body fluids.
• People who are suffering from end-stage kidney disease.
• People who live or work where people are developmentally disabled.
• International travelers who are about to travel to regions where moderate to high rates of hepatitis B.
• People who suffer from chronic liver disease.
• People who suffer from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections.
• People who are diagnosed with hepatitis C infection.
• People who were or recently been to prison.
• Diabetic people.

You should avoid the hepatitis B vaccine if you have a severe allergy from a previous dose or are allergic to yeast because yeast is one of the ingredients used to make the vaccine. You should consult with your doctor before taking the vaccine if you’re allergic or get severely ill at the time of vaccination.

When to see a doctor?

If you haven’t taken any vaccine dose and believe you got exposed to hepatitis, then you should see a doctor. A pregnant woman who undergoes HBV screening should take preventive measures to protect the fetus if required.

Receiving hepatitis vaccinations is the best way to prevent hepatitis. Vaccines are one of the common reasons that hepatitis cases have declined significantly over recent years in the U.S. However, hepatitis is still prevalent which can be severe if you leave it untreated. So, follow preventive measures and if you think you get exposed to hepatitis infection, then visit your doctor for prompt treatment.

Don’t ignore the hints that your body gives you, visit our infectious disease doctors for proper diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors ensure you get the best medical service and get better in no time. Call us on +1-347-384-5690. If you need any information on infections, log on to www.doralhw.org  to get a consultation. We have the best infectious disease specialists who can help you and improve your quality of life!