Hepatitis B is a liver disease characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The condition is chronic and sometimes difficult to diagnose. But there’s a simple way to prevent hepatitis B by administering a vaccine that provides long-term immunization against the viral infection.
Hepatitis D requires a previous hepatitis B infection. So, we could say that the hepatitis B vaccine takes down two viruses: hepatitis B and hepatitis D. It provides direct immunity against the former and indirect protection against the latter.
Who should receive a hepatitis B immunization?
Hepatitis B immunization is routinely administered to many patients, especially if they are included in one of these groups:
- Sexually active individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who look for evaluation for sexually transmitted diseases
- Drug users who use injections and syringes
- Healthcare professional and personnel, or anyone exposed to blood and other body fluids
- HIV positive patients, diabetes patients, chronic liver disease patients, and in case of severe renal disease
- Close contacts and sexual partners of individuals who are diagnosed with hepatitis B
- Pregnant women at a high risk of hepatitis B
- Individuals who are about to travel abroad to countries with a high incidence of hepatitis B
