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Hepatitis vaccination newborn tolerance. All about hepatitis vaccination for newborns: indications, contraindications, side effects, schemes. Side effects, complications and consequences

After birth, each newborn is offered a series of vaccinations against various diseases. The vaccination calendar in any country is compiled on the basis of what diseases are epidemic in the area. The purpose of vaccination is to protect our children from the sad consequences. Let's discuss how and why the hepatitis vaccine is given to newborns.

Hepatitis. What is this?

Hepatitis is called inflammatory processes localized in the liver. In this case, viruses, as well as other mechanisms, lead to the fact that liver cells die. Hepatitis can take place both in acute and in chronic form; it can be of viral origin, as well as alcoholic, medicinal, etc. The most common viral forms are usually called the Latin letters A, B and C.

Hepatitis B is regarded as an acute viral disease. At the initial stage, it is quite difficult to make a diagnosis, since the symptoms are similar to the usual acute respiratory infections. It happens that a person for years does not even suspect that he has such a disease. Then yellowness of the skin appears - a hallmark of the disease, due to the fact that bilirubin (bile pigment) enters the bloodstream. In newborn babies, hepatitis often (in 90% of cases) occurs without visible symptoms.

The disease lasts from 3 to 6 weeks and, as a rule, ends with recovery. However, there is a 1 fatal percentage of the development of the disease, leading to death. In addition, acute viral hepatitis B can become chronic, and this condition is much more dangerous, as it often leads to liver cancer or cirrhosis.

The sad fact is that in the first year of life of a child with hepatitis, the probability of transition to a chronic condition is 90%. Vaccination can protect the baby from such a serious illness.

What hepatitis is vaccinated against?

This article focuses specifically on the hepatitis B vaccine for a newborn. There is also a hepatitis A vaccine. But this form is more common in hot countries and is associated with poor sanitation, polluted water. This type of hepatitis is not so dangerous and does not give serious complications. But hepatitis B is transmitted only through infected blood and the disease is severe, leaving behind irreversible processes in the liver. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Therefore, when a child is offered to be vaccinated against an illness in the maternity hospital, the hepatitis B vaccine is meant.

Factors contributing to infection

As already mentioned, this viral infection is transmitted through the blood. Here are the situations in which infection can occur:

  • using a razor, needle or syringe after a person infected with hepatitis;
  • at birth, transmission to a child from an infected mother;
  • in case of blood transfusion;
  • when drug addicts use one needle;
  • healthcare workers who have to come into contact with blood or its products;
  • with promiscuity, homosexual lifestyle;
  • unprotected sex.


The liver is the main target of hepatitis

Is it necessary to be vaccinated?

Today, no one can force you to get any vaccination, not only against hepatitis B. In a medical institution (or maternity hospital), it can only be recommended.

However, before making a decision, it is worth thinking about such a factor: you can get infected even through a dried blood stain of a week ago anywhere and anytime. Therefore, one should not think that only representatives of asocial strata of the population are ill with hepatitis.

The disease is as common today as it was in the past - cholera or malaria. In view of this, there are good reasons for parents to agree to vaccinate their child. Moreover, since 2002, the Russian Ministry of Health introduced hepatitis B vaccination as mandatory for infants.

Where do babies come into contact with blood?

  1. First of all, during childbirth. If the mother is a carrier of the virus, there is a high probability of infecting the child. Of all cases of childhood infection, 95% are due to birth processes.
  2. In the clinic. The reality is that it is common to see a queue of mothers with small children during tests, and most often a nurse takes blood from different children in the same gloves.
  3. On the playground in the sandbox, you can find anything, up to used syringes.
  4. Finally, there comes a time when almost no day is complete without scratches, cuts, bites, abrasions, etc. If such a nuisance happens in kindergarten, the risk of contact with someone else's blood increases.


You can get hepatitis anywhere.

Vaccination schedule

There is a schedule of vaccinations, since there are usually three vaccinations for hepatitis:

  • I - in the hospital 12 hours after birth;
  • II - 30 days after the first;
  • III - after 6 months, counting from the first vaccination.

It turns out ideally the scheme looks like this: 0-1-6. There are situations when it is difficult to fit into the schedule (the baby is sick, there are no vaccinations in the clinic, etc.) and the second vaccination has to be done late. This is acceptable. The main rule: the interval between vaccinations should be at least a month. That is, the scheme may look like this: 1 month. – 3 months – 6 months; or 1 - 6 - 12 months.

For children born to infected mothers, a different scheme is applied, including 4 vaccinations.

If more than 5 months (for adults) or more than 3 months (for children) have passed after the first vaccination, and it was not possible to make a second vaccination, the course is started all over again.

Applicable vaccines

Modern technologies make it possible to obtain high-quality vaccines produced by genetic engineering. The essence of production is that the gene responsible for the creation of the HbsAg protein is cut out from the genome of the hepatitis B virus. The gene is then inserted into the yeast cell genotype using molecular biology.

In this case, the yeast cell synthesizes not only its own proteins, but also HbsAg (it is also called the Australian antigen). When HbsAg has multiplied sufficiently, the nutrient medium is removed and the viral protein is purified from impurities.

The purified protein is applied to the so-called carrier - aluminum hydroxide. It is insoluble in water and, after the vaccine has been administered, releases the viral protein in portions. Thus, it is possible to develop immunity to hepatitis B. The vaccine also contains a preservative, merthiolate, in a small amount.

Today, thanks to genetic engineering, it is possible to produce recombinant vaccines that are highly safe and help build strong immunity to hepatitis B.

Children under 19 are vaccinated with 10 micrograms of the Australian antigen. And after 20 years, a dose of 20 mcg is used. For persons with hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction, an even smaller dose is provided.


One of the most common vaccines

If everything was done correctly, immunity to the hepatitis virus lasts for 22 years.

The following types of vaccines are available on the territory of the Russian Federation:

  1. Hepatitis B vaccine recombinant yeast.
  2. Eberbiovak.
  3. Regewak B.
  4. Angerix-B.
  5. H-B-VAX II.
  6. Sci-B-Vac.

Regevak B is the most popular drug in Russia, since the ayw-type of virus is widespread on its territory, and this vaccine was created specifically for it. In addition to the listed drugs, the vaccine we are discussing is found in the composition of domestic combined drugs: Bubo-Kok, as well as Bubo-M.

All presented vaccines have the same basis and are interchangeable. That is, if you made the first injection of Regevak, and by the time the second one is not vaccinated (this happens), you can continue vaccinating any other. Although ideally, of course, it is desirable to use the vaccine of the same manufacturer, and even one series of the drug.

Place of administration of the vaccine

The injection is administered intramuscularly, in no case subcutaneously. This is a necessary condition for the entry of the entire antigen into the blood and the creation of a proper immune response. Inoculation made subcutaneously significantly reduces the effectiveness of the procedure and leads to tissue compaction.


The vaccine is given in the thigh or shoulder

Today, the injection is rarely given in the buttock to avoid injury to the nerves and blood vessels, and also because the fat layer can leave the vaccine in itself, as a result of which it will never reach the goal. For small patients under three years old, the injection is most often placed in the thigh, for older children - in the shoulder.

Contraindications

These include the following factors:

  1. The mother has an allergic reaction to baker's yeast. Such an allergy is manifested by the use of bakery products, kvass, beer. The vaccine may contain yeast particles.
  2. Meningitis (vaccination is carried out after six months).
  3. The body weight of the newborn is less than 2 kg.
  4. There are signs of primary immunodeficiency.
  5. Infectious disease in the period of exacerbation.
  6. Autoimmune diseases.

Severe delivery or asphyxia of the newborn is not a contraindication to vaccination.

Possible reaction to vaccination

As a rule, the injection is well tolerated and does not lead to negative consequences. As a reaction to the vaccination, seals may appear, resembling a small nodule at the injection site, redness. These side effects are associated with a reaction to aluminum hydroxide and occur in 10-20% of children. An antihistamine is prescribed for one or two days.

Even less often, body temperature may rise, then the baby is given an antipyretic drug based on ibuprofen or paracetamol. In general, on the day of vaccination, the baby may feel unwell, weak, sleep longer. Sometimes there is diarrhea. But all these symptoms completely disappear after two days.

Possible Complications

As with any other drug, complications can occur after vaccination. This is extremely rare, in 1 case out of 100,000. They appear as:

  • rashes, urticaria;
  • erythrema nodosum;
  • anaphylactic shock;
  • exacerbation of allergies.

WHO studies have shown that the use of the vaccine has nothing to do with neurological disorders, sudden infant death syndrome, autoimmune disorders, etc.

Can you get the hepatitis virus directly from a vaccine? NO. It does not contain a whole virus, but only a part of the outer shell, which does not cause the development of the disease, but only forms an immune response in relation to it.

The first vaccination against hepatitis for newborns is done in the maternity hospital. Hepatitis B is a dangerous viral disease. It affects the liver and bile ducts. There are many ways to get an infection, and most antiviral drugs do not help.

What hepatitis are you vaccinated against?

There are many types of hepatitis. The most common are the following forms:

  • Hepatitis A is considered the safest, but only with timely treatment. Successfully and quickly cured, rarely takes a chronic course. Hepatitis A vaccine is not given to newborn children in Russia.
  • Hepatitis B is difficult and takes a long time to cure completely. In case of inadequate therapy, it leads to destruction of the liver. It often becomes chronic and causes cirrhosis and liver cancer. A prophylactic vaccination against hepatitis B is given to newborns on the first day of life.
  • Hepatitis C in the acute stage is asymptomatic. There is no vaccine for this form of the disease.

The composition of the hepatitis vaccine intended for young children is absolutely safe. You can't get sick from a vaccine.

Is vaccination required?

Hepatitis B vaccination for infants is routinely given according to the national calendar. Each parent must sign a consent form beforehand. Vaccination is not mandatory, so you can opt out of it. But you need to take into account a few points that develop in case of infection with the disease:

  • the disease is quite common, so you can only protect yourself by timely vaccination;
  • the disease, especially in small children, is difficult to treat and often becomes chronic;
  • infection can be fatal.

Vaccination does not protect the child 100%, but the risk of infection is minimal. When a vaccinated child is infected, the disease proceeds in a mild form, recovery occurs faster and no consequences remain.

According to the hepatitis B vaccination schedule, the first vaccine is administered at the maternity hospital, followed by a month and six months later. If the child is at risk, then the vaccination schedule is slightly different. The second vaccination is carried out in two months, and the third - in one year.

Vaccination for newborns in the hospital

In the maternity hospital, children are vaccinated against hepatitis B. It is from this virus that a child must be protected in the first year of life, since there is a high risk of infection and complications. The immune system of infants is underdeveloped and cannot resist such a viral disease as hepatitis in a good way.

In many countries, according to the schedule, vaccination against hepatitis is started even in the maternity hospital, but the mother must first write consent. If a decision was made to vaccinate, the child is examined by a neonatologist. The results of a blood test are evaluated, the skin of the baby is examined, and the presence of reflexes is checked.

The baby is not vaccinated if there is a severe allergy or if he was born prematurely. A baby with a weight of more than 2 kg is allowed to be vaccinated.

Second hepatitis B vaccine

At 1 month, vaccination is carried out in the clinic. The second hepatitis vaccine is given only if there was no acute reaction after the first one. In this case, the vaccination will pass without consequences.

Ideally, the vaccination schedule involves vaccination on the first day after birth, then a month later and six months after the first, a control vaccination is performed.

It happens that the scheme is violated, for example, due to the illness of the baby or the lack of vaccinations in the clinic. The main thing is that the waiting time does not exceed three months. If three months have passed since the introduction of the vaccine, the vaccination schedule is restarted.

For children who are at risk of hepatitis infection, a different scheme is used: the second vaccination is given at 2 months and the third at one year.

The third vaccination scheme applies to children who were born to sick mothers. They are given not three, but four vaccinations. The first three vaccinations are given one month apart and the last vaccine is given one year after the first.

Vaccination during pregnancy and lactation

Hepatitis B adversely affects the course of pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to plan the conception of a child: put all planned vaccinations, treat existing diseases. Many children infected during pregnancy become carriers of the chronic form of the disease.

There is a special calendar of vaccinations during pregnancy, which allows you to calculate the timing of vaccination by week. During this period, only flu and DTP vaccinations are allowed, but only after 27 weeks.

The first vaccine is administered a year before conception. All this time is enough to go through the entire vaccination schedule and leave a little time after the last vaccine. Ideally, after the last vaccination, at least a year should pass before the moment of conception. In this case, you can be sure that the immune system has managed to activate against hepatitis.

The Ministry of Health of Russia does not include pregnancy in the list of available contraindications, but it is not recommended to administer the vaccine, as there are risks of a negative impact on the development of the fetus. If a disease was detected during pregnancy, a decision may be made to administer immunoglobulin against hepatitis.

Treatment of hepatitis during pregnancy cannot be carried out with antiviral drugs, as they lead to intrauterine pathologies. You can drink only hepatoprotectors, which reduce the load on the liver.

Do I need to get a hepatitis B vaccine after giving birth? If vaccination was not carried out before pregnancy, then it is better to get it after the birth of the child. This will help protect the body from disease in the next pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to vaccination. This procedure will not bring harm to the child, on the contrary, part of the antibodies enters the baby's body along with breast milk.

How much does it work?

If vaccination began in infancy, then immunity after vaccination against hepatitis B in children remains active for the next two decades.

In rare cases, a child's immunity may be active for only 7 years. But most often this occurs as a result of a late start of vaccination.

Individuals at increased risk of hepatitis are recommended to be vaccinated every five years.

Composition and production of vaccines

5 ml of the drug that protects against infection with hepatitis B (single dose for patients under 19 years old) contains:

  • antigens (the body in response to them begins to produce antibodies, an immune response is formed);
  • aluminum hydroxide (a component is necessary to enhance the production of antibodies);
  • preservatives.

In the Russian Federation, both domestic and vaccines from other countries are used. Each of them can be completely replaced by another. If vaccination was started with one drug, and it was not available by the next time, you can replace it with another similar drug.

In Russia, the following types of vaccines are common: Regevak B, recombinant yeast, Eberbiovak, Engerix. The action of any vaccine is effective and long-lasting, so one can be replaced by another.

Revaccination against hepatitis B is aimed at maintaining immunity and is carried out after a certain time period after vaccination. If vaccinations were started from birth, then immunity to hepatitis persists for 22 years. Revaccination is carried out with such an interval.

Where is the vaccine administered?

The injection is done intramuscularly, which allows antigens to enter the blood faster and activate the immune system. Newborns and children under three years of age are given an injection in the thigh. After three years, the drug is injected into the shoulder. If the drug gets under the skin, its effectiveness decreases and a seal occurs.

Hepatitis vaccination can be given on the same day as other vaccinations, except for BCG. At the same time, antiallergic agents can be administered. There may be swelling, swelling, and redness at the injection site.

Contraindications

Before vaccination against viral hepatitis, the doctor examines the child, gives a referral for a blood and urine test. Conducting an examination helps prevent the development of possible complications.

Contraindications for vaccination against hepatitis are as follows:

  • allergy to baker's yeast;
  • any skin rash;
  • recent meningitis;
  • severely tolerated previous vaccine;
  • acute course of any disease;
  • oncology;
  • autoimmune pathologies.

Hepatitis is one of the diseases that are transmitted by contact with any fluids of a sick person (for example, through blood, saliva).

Reaction to the vaccine

As a rule, vaccination against hepatitis B is easy and, apart from a local reaction, there are no complications. On the day of vaccination, the child may be moody, drowsy, weak. You can avoid side effects and complications by following all the doctor's recommendations.

Seal after vaccination

After the injection, redness and a slight induration may be observed at the injection site. Touching the area can cause pain and discomfort. The condition indicates an allergy to aluminum hydroxide. A similar reaction can develop when moisture enters the wound.

Possible complications can be determined by the size of the seal and redness. Normally, the seal can reach up to 6 cm, and redness up to 8 cm. If the inflamed area is more than 8 cm, you need to contact your pediatrician.

Change in body temperature

With the strengthening of the immune system in response to the introduction of foreign particles, body temperature usually rises after 6-7 hours. Normally, it should not exceed 38.5 degrees and last more than two days.

We can talk about the development of complications if the body temperature rises to 39 degrees, the child looks drowsy, capricious, refuses to eat, he often burps, the stool is broken. In these cases, you need to urgently consult a doctor.

The effectiveness of the vaccine can be determined by the presence of antibodies to hepatitis B in the blood. If the number of markers is above 100 mIU / ml, this indicates that the vaccine has reached its maximum protective limits.

Bathing after vaccination

How many days should a child not be bathed after a hepatitis B vaccine? Experts recommend refraining from water procedures 2-3 days after vaccination. This is necessary in order to avoid infection entering the wound. Washing is recommended to be postponed also in the case when the body temperature has risen.

The ingress of moisture to the injection site leads to an increase in local reactions. Therefore, you need to dry the moisture with a towel, but you can not rub the injection site.

Complications

A successful vaccination protects against the virus by 98%. After 3 months, a strong immunity to the hepatitis virus is developed. It is recommended to take a blood test after three months to determine the level of antibodies in the blood.

Vaccination made against hepatitis in the maternity hospital or in the clinic rarely causes complications. The most common consequences are:

  • rash all over body;
  • hives;
  • anaphylactic shock;
  • nodular erythema.

In most cases, complications develop due to non-compliance with contraindications or improper preparation for the vaccination procedure.

You can protect your baby from complications with the help of preliminary preparation for vaccination. A few days before the procedure, they begin to follow a healthy diet, you can not introduce new foods into the diet. If the child is prone to allergies, the doctor prescribes antiallergic drugs. Three days before vaccination, visits to crowded places are limited.

Probably, no vaccine has yet become the subject of such zealous debate as the hepatitis B vaccine. And all because it is given to the baby immediately after birth, when the immune system is not yet strong and the body has not gained strength. Is it safe, and where should the injection be given to minimize the risk of dangerous consequences?

How the vaccine works

Hepatitis B is a dangerous viral disease, the destructive effect of which is directed to the human liver. Why do doctors recommend vaccination against this disease for babies up to a year old? The thing is that the disease of children of this age often has a fatal outcome. Even if the baby is lucky and he stays alive, then he will have to fight all his life with a whole set of chronic ailments. Hepatitis B often progresses to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Statistical studies of the World Health Organization made it possible to come to an unexpected conclusion: the hepatitis B virus is a hundred times more contagious than AIDS. He is not afraid of chemical or physical effects, the only way to protect the child is to get vaccinated.

The rapid spread of the disease has forced immunologists in most countries to include hepatitis B vaccination in the mandatory vaccination calendar.

Hepatitis vaccine for newly born babies is one of the safest drugs. Doctors do not risk injecting a newborn with a vaccine that contains live, albeit weakened, microorganisms. That is why, after lengthy research, scientists were able to extract pure protein from the virus. Of course, for the drug to remain effective, a special carrier is required. They became aluminum hydroxide, since it is this element that does not dissolve in water.

Thanks to this composition, the vaccine acts sparingly on the child's body, but creates no less strong immunity than after the administration of the drug with whole pathogenic microorganisms. But how, after all, even a baby's immunity, which has not yet been fully formed, can easily destroy a weakened foreign agent? The scientists took into account all the nuances: since aluminum hydroxide does not dissolve completely, it delivers protein in small portions. On the one hand, it allows you to develop a strong immune system. On the other hand, it eliminates the risk of dangerous side effects and reactions.

Does she need

Many parents refuse to be vaccinated against hepatitis B because they are sure that their baby will not get infected. Like, let parents from dysfunctional families worry about this, but we eat well and wash our hands, we are not afraid of anything. Also, moms and dads are afraid of the possibility of dangerous side effects.

But the mistake of parents can be fatal for their baby. We must not forget that the baby will have to contact other children in kindergarten, school, other educational institutions, you yourself will take him to the clinic. A child will fight with someone, pick up a used syringe, a nurse will one day simply forget to put on gloves.

And there are still a lot of cases in which the risk of infection of a child from a prosperous family increases dramatically. As for adverse reactions, as already mentioned, the hepatitis B vaccine is one of the safest. But the consequences of hepatitis are really scary. We do not know where and when danger awaits us. That is why babies are vaccinated against hepatitis B from birth.

Video "Vaccination against hepatitis B and its necessity"

When to get vaccinated

Since hepatitis B is a very dangerous disease, it is impossible to create really strong immunity from a single injection of the vaccine. Therefore, there are several vaccination schemes, depending on the causes and conditions of immunization. The catastrophic increase in the number of patients forced physicians to develop 3 schemes:

  1. standard: 0 - 1 - 6 (the first vaccination against hepatitis B is given to newborns on the first day after birth, the second - after 1 month, the third - when the child is six months old from the moment of birth). This is the most common immunization schedule and is the one you should follow if you decide to vaccinate your baby;
  2. fast schedule: 0 - 1 - 2 - 12 (If the first and second hepatitis B vaccinations are given to a child at the same age as indicated in the standard schedule, then the third injection is given at two months; in addition, the schedule also includes revaccination, which is done when the baby is one year old). Such a scheme allows immunity to develop in a couple of months, so it is used to immunize children who are at particular risk: the mother, while pregnant, had hepatitis, or the child will have to come into contact with people infected with the virus;
  3. emergency vaccination: 0 - 7 - 21 - 12 (the first vaccination is given immediately after birth, the second - after 7 days, the third - after 21 days, and when the baby is one year old, revaccination is carried out). With such a schedule, the immune system is given a big load, but vaccination is necessary in case of an emergency, for example, before an important operation.

If, for some important reason, the baby did not receive the first hepatitis B vaccination (at the maternity hospital), then you can develop an individual schedule together with the vaccinologist. But if the interval between vaccinations was more than six months, the scheme must be started anew.

Where do

Newborns and children under three years old are vaccinated by a doctor in the thigh. For adults or older children, the injection can be given in the upper arm. The choice of the place where the hepatitis vaccine is given to newborns is not accidental: it is in the thigh that the muscles are best developed, and they are located close to the skin, and this helps to avoid the occurrence of local adverse reactions: redness, induration, pain.

We are used to the fact that most often the injection is done in the buttock. Therefore, when a mother is warned that the vaccine will be placed in the thigh, some concerns arise. But due to the fact that there is a well-developed subcutaneous layer in the buttocks, it is difficult to get the muscle. Yes, and such an injection threatens with unpleasant consequences, because there is a risk of damage to nerve fibers and blood vessels.

Video "Protection of the newborn from infections"

To be sure that your child will not get infected, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the information presented in the following video.

Modern parents are informed about the need for timely immunization of the child. The vaccination schedule includes a number of mandatory vaccinations, one of which is against hepatitis B. Let's consider what this disease is and why it is better to protect yourself from it in advance. We will also find out the composition of the vaccine, the vaccination schedule and what contraindications are possible.

Do children need to be vaccinated against hepatitis B - a question that worries every parent

Why is hepatitis B dangerous, why is vaccination necessary?

Type B hepatitis is a viral disease that can be both acute and chronic. The virus enters the body in various ways - from mother to child during its passage through the birth canal, blood transfusion, sexual contact. Often, infection occurs in the dentist's office or beauty salon through an insufficiently sterilized instrument.

The acute phase may go unnoticed, or may be characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclera. The patient may complain of pain and discomfort in the liver area, weakness, general malaise.

In some patients, the body heals itself from the disease and forms a strong immunity to the hepatitis B virus. In others, the acute phase becomes chronic. The described condition is dangerous because irreversible processes begin to occur in the liver - cells called hepatocytes are replaced by fibrous tissue - fibrosis, cirrhosis and even liver cancer develop.

Statistics show that self-healing happens more often if a person becomes ill with hepatitis B at the age of 40-60 years - then about 95% of patients recover. If a baby falls ill before a year, the probability of self-healing is low - approximately 5%. In the age group from 1 year to the end of the preschool period, every third patient has a chronic disease.

In this regard, immunization against this disease is fully justified, since it allows you to create artificial immunity in a child. No wonder this type of vaccination is funded by the state and included in the mandatory list of vaccinations.

Not everyone knows that there is a vaccine against hepatitis A. It is given to children only in cases where the risk of infection is high. However, the schedule for this vaccine is different from hepatitis B, and this immunization is not required.

The composition of the vaccine

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Consider what is the composition of the hepatitis B vaccine. One dose (5 ml) of the drug used for children under 19 years of age includes:

  • Fragments of the shell of the hepatitis B virus, which are called antigen (HBsAg) - 10 mcg. The body perceives these molecules as foreign and produces antibodies to them, that is, forms an immune response.
  • Aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant - a substance that can enhance the production of antibodies.
  • The preservative is thiomersal.

In the Russian Federation, several types of vaccines are used - there are imported and domestic ones. All of them are interchangeable - if one vaccination is done with Engerix B (Belgium), then the next one can be performed by DTP Gep B (Russia) or Shanvak B (India).

Domestic vaccine is available in glass vials or ampoules of 5-10 ml. In a carton box 50 ampoules or 10, 25, 50 vials.


Imported vaccine Engerix B

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccination against viral hepatitis can be given to a person from birth to 55 years of age if he has not been vaccinated before. The standard schedule is as follows:

  • the first injection is given to a newborn within 12-24 hours after birth;
  • the next vaccine is administered after 30 days - per month;
  • the third vaccination is performed at six months.

If it is not possible to follow the plan, you should try to observe the minimum period between the introduction of the vaccine. The second vaccination should be performed no earlier than one month after the first, and the third - no earlier than two months after the second.

Another vaccination scheme is also used, which involves the introduction of the vaccine 4 times. Hepatitis vaccination for newborns is performed in any case in the first 24 hours, a further injection schedule may be as follows:

  • 2 vaccinations - after 30 days;
  • 3 - at 2 months;
  • 4 - at 12 months.

This scheme allows the child to get immunity in an accelerated way. This method is used if the baby was born from an infected woman, the child was in contact with a sick person, or in other cases.

Where is the hepatitis vaccine given? The vaccine is administered intramuscularly. According to WHO recommendations, it is placed in the thigh for infants and toddlers under 3 years of age. For adults, an injection is made into the deltoid muscle of the shoulder.

The choice of sites is due to the fact that it is in them that the most dense layer of muscle tissue is noted. This makes it possible to perform the injection as deeply as possible.

newborn

Most civilized countries vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B right in the hospital. However, for starters, the baby's mother must agree to the vaccination.

Do not vaccinate premature babies born weighing less than 2 kg, as well as those who have allergies. Before the introduction of the vaccine, the neonatologist evaluates the results of a newborn's blood test, examines the skin, and checks reflexes.

At the same time, neonatal jaundice is not a contraindication to vaccination. Doctors say that vaccination does not put an additional burden on the liver and does not aggravate the course of the disease.

At 1 month

In a month, vaccination is performed in a children's clinic. Parents bring the child for a routine examination, and the pediatrician issues a referral for vaccination. This procedure is very important, because after the initial vaccination, immunity is formed for a short period and must be consolidated.

It is desirable that at least 30 days pass after the first vaccination. However, if the deadlines are delayed by more than 5 months, it is recommended to start the vaccination program again.


Young children are vaccinated in the thigh (see also:)

At six months

At 6 months, the final stage of vaccination against hepatitis B is carried out. Only two weeks after the third injection of the vaccine, long-term immunity is formed.

If the baby is behind schedule and his first shot was taken too late, it is important that at least 6 months elapse between the start and the final dose. If the period between injections is extended significantly, the doctor decides on re-vaccination.

How many times in a lifetime do you need to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, how long does it last?

Until recently, it was believed that immunity after vaccination remains active for 7 years. However, studies have shown that people who received the vaccine a quarter of a century ago also retained protection.

However, people at risk are advised to get vaccinated every 5 years throughout their lives. These are doctors dealing with patients with hepatitis, patients who need blood transfusions, nannies, etc.

What to do if the terms of vaccination of children against hepatitis B are violated and one of the vaccinations is missed?

Vaccinations are done according to the schedule, observing the terms indicated in the National calendar. However, there are cases when one of the vaccinations is missed.

Consider how long the break between vaccinations can last, as well as the recommendations of pediatricians:

  • Missed the first vaccination, which should be done in the hospital. You can start immunization against hepatitis B at any age, and then follow the schedule that is used for infants.
  • Missed the second vaccination, which should be done in a month. In this situation, the period between the first and second vaccination can be 1-4 months. If more time has passed, the pediatrician decides whether to continue with the schedule or start the vaccination schedule again.
  • Missed third hepatitis shot. 3 injection is allowed to be done for one and a half years after the first vaccination. If this period is also missed, a blood test for the concentration of antibodies to hepatitis is indicated. Sometimes immunity lasts longer than 18 months, then there is no need to repeat the program and the course can be completed according to the usual scheme.

Contraindications for vaccination

Contraindications to vaccination are divided into temporary and permanent. Temporary conditions include infections, fever, low birth weight, or prematurity.


If the child has an elevated body temperature, routine vaccination is canceled

Permanent ones include:

  • severe allergic reactions in children to a previous vaccination - anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, febrile convulsions (see also:);
  • yeast allergy;
  • some diseases of the nervous system that tend to progress.

Possible side effects in children

Most often, vaccination is tolerated by children easily and does not give side effects. However, in rare cases, an atypical reaction to the hepatitis vaccine is possible. Consider the possible consequences:

  • Rise in temperature to subfebrile values. Occasionally, thermometer readings of 39-40 ° C are possible.
  • Redness of the skin around the injection site. Itching, the appearance of a red halo is also possible.

Allergic manifestations after vaccination against hepatitis are recorded no more than one case per million. Sometimes children who are allergic to yeast have an exacerbated reaction to baked goods after vaccination. However, such cases are not often observed.


The hepatitis B vaccine is quite easily tolerated by children, in rare cases there may be a seal at the injection site.

How to deal with the consequences of vaccination?

Consider what the main actions of parents should be if the baby has an atypical reaction to vaccination:

  • When the temperature rises to values ​​​​of 38 ° C and above, you need to give the child an antipyretic. Suitable Paracetamol or Ibuprofen in age dosage. You can use the drug in the form of a syrup, as well as in the form of suppositories.
  • With redness and thickening of the skin at the injection site, it is necessary to lubricate the affected area with Troxevasin or a resolving agent. If a bump appears at the injection site, a cabbage leaf can be attached to it.
  • If the parents notice that the child has a sore leg into which the injection was made, it is worth giving the baby an anesthetic drug.
  • With signs of allergies - itching, spots, hives - you can give the child an antihistamine.

If serious allergic reactions are suspected - there are signs of suffocation, swelling of the lips, a swollen leg, bright spots have formed all over the body - you should immediately call an ambulance. While waiting for the doctor, you can give your child antihistamine drops.


Despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, humanity has not yet invented a vaccine against many terrible diseases. And hepatitis B is one of such problems, it is the leader among especially dangerous diseases. It is caused by a specific virus, when it enters the body, inflammatory changes in the liver are provoked.

The course and forms of the disease can also be asymptomatic - a kind of silent killer lurking inside you. The extreme stages of the disease are cirrhosis, liver cancer, acute liver failure. It is terrible that hepatitis B is widespread and vaccination is used to reduce the scale of the disease.1. When to vaccinate
2. How the infection is transmitted
3. Scheme of vaccination of children
4. Types of vaccine
5. Combination with other vaccinations
6. Place of injection
7. After vaccination
8. Contraindications
9. Is vaccination required?

When to vaccinate

It's simple - vaccinate yourself and vaccinate your children. Now this is a unique tool to protect everyone. The starting dose of the vaccine is recommended to be received in the maternity hospital. Mothers often ask themselves - why so early? Because leading an active life and visiting the dentist, getting a manicure and going to the hairdresser there is a potential chance of getting infected. And during pregnancy, blood taken for research will not show anything, since it was taken during the incubation period, which lasts almost half of the pregnancy.

In addition, any, even the most modern test can make a mistake...

Today there are options: you can get vaccinated against hepatitis B and hepatitis A. And if infection with hepatitis A can occur through unwashed hands, then hepatitis B will enter the body through the blood. And they do not necessarily get infected by drug addicts. Just a drop of blood that has fallen on an abrasion or mucous membrane - and the disease lottery begins its game, the main prize in which will be getting rid of liver cancer or cirrhosis. Chances to win 50/50.
In the maternity hospital, it is optimal to organize the first vaccination. Because following discharge, a variety of obstacles arise in the form of quarantines, SARS, liquid stools and horror stories from a neighbor (well, where without them) ... You can delay the solution of the issue for a long time. Up to the point where the vaccine is no longer useful

How the infection is transmitted

The hepatitis B vaccine is now part of the national immunization schedule. It is up to you to decide whether or not to vaccinate against hepatitis B, and the parents are responsible for deciding whether to vaccinate against hepatitis B for a newborn.
  • A baby can get the disease from a mother who is already infected.
  • If there are circumstances requiring a blood transfusion, the risk increases.
  • A dentist also carries certain risks, although one must be fair - small ones.
  • Among the close relatives of the child, there may be people infected with hepatitis B who are not even aware of it. And through the banal cutting of nails, you can also become infected.

Children of different ages can get the disease in different ways. A newborn baby most often passes the "vertical" path from the mother during childbirth. Of course, you can minimize the risks, but this is if experts are sure that the expectant mother has the virus. And if he just got into the body, but still in the incubation period? This is how it is passed to the baby ...

Perhaps, if there is an Rhesus conflict or anemia or any other issues related to blood - and a transfusion is required. There is also an opinion that in 3-5 years the child will definitely get the disease from an infected family member, BUT! Only if he hasn't been vaccinated.

For children who are over a year old, the risks associated with various medical manipulations or on the basis of domestic relationships increase. Adolescents 13-18 years of age additionally add the risk of getting the disease through sexual contact or through a needle.

But remember - hepatitis B is not transmitted by airborne droplets, through water or food. And having vaccinated a newborn, you will feel much calmer.

Children's vaccination schedule

Usually vaccination against hepatitis B is carried out in a newborn in three stages. The drug administered to the baby is inactivated and does not carry a live virus, but only one antigen. With the next vaccination, the baby receives a slightly increased portion of the vaccine. And it's not scary.

Such a schedule is precisely aimed at ensuring that the baby's body can create the amount of antibodies against hepatitis so that they can protect him from the disease for a long time. Especially if the mother is a carrier of hepatitis B, vaccination is required. And here they are already giving not three, but four injections - a special scheme for vaccinating children at risk.
In Russian maternity hospitals, as soon as the baby is born, you will be asked to sign a consent to the introduction of a vaccine, including hepatitis B. And if the answer is positive, they will do it in the next few hours.

The first scheme (regular children) "0-3-6"

  • #2 at three months
  • #3 when baby is 6 months old

The second scheme (children at risk) "0-1-2-12"

  • No. 1 immediately after birth on the first day of life.
  • No. 2, 3, 4 - at 1, 2, 12 months.
Of course, there may be deviations from the typical schemes for the administration of the drug, and of course this is not welcome. But the circumstances may be different - the baby will have health issues immediately after birth and the vaccination is postponed for a while. For the first dose, the optimal period of administration is a month. For the second portion - the most desirable period - up to four months. Number three must be entered between 4 and 18 months.

Then the barrier from the disease will be fully formed. But exceeding the deadlines due to illnesses and periods of weakness of the child is also not fatal. Vaccinations already made are taken into account, and subsequent ones are made at the intervals recommended by the vaccination calendar, despite the missed one. Perhaps it would be better to do an analysis for the presence and amount of formed antibodies. Children will no longer need revaccination after a course of vaccinations.

Types of vaccine

Now in the Russian Federation several types of vaccines are used, both domestic and imported. They have the same composition and the same properties - you can put any of them. The question naturally arises - the first vaccination was done with one vaccine, is it necessary to continue to be vaccinated only with it? It is not worth changing the drug without special need, but we answer - it is not necessary. Vaccines are produced with similar characteristics and it is possible to replace one of them with another without compromising the formation of immunity and protective antibodies. The first, second and third injections may be given with different vaccines. It is important, in principle, to deliver these three mandatory vaccinations according to the schedule.

The following drugs are used in the country:

  • Hepatitis B vaccine, recombinant, yeast (Russia)
  • Regevak V (Russia)
  • Eberbiovak (Cuba)
  • Euwax V (South Korea)
  • Engerix V (Belgium)
  • H-V-Vah Iinbsp (USA)? Shanvak (India)
  • Biovac (India)
  • Serum Institute (India)

In our country, the most famous type of hepatitis B -ayw-type against which the drug was created Regevak B. Of course, all of the above medicines are effective, but it is he who is directed specifically against the most common strain.

Combination with other vaccinations

From time to time they ask - is it possible to combine the hepatitis B vaccine with another one in order to give fewer injections? It is impossible, unless it was originally provided for by the composition. There is a risk of severe reactions and a sharp decrease in the benefit of the vaccine. According to the vaccination schedule, DTP and poliomyelitis are given together with the second shot for hepatitis. Here there is a real opportunity to reduce the number of punctures using the combined drug Bubo-kok. At the same time, it is contraindicated to put hepatitis with BCG.
An injection is made on the outer side of the thigh, since the preparation contains an adjuvant (aluminum hydroxide) and it is administered only intramuscularly. Subcutaneously, due to the drug entering the fatty tissue, a fractional intake of the drug is possible and the body will not be able to form a decent defense, nodules that do not disappear for a long time are formed.

injection site

It is recommended to make a puncture in the upper third of the thigh. The rationale is that even a baby has enough muscles in this place. Children from 3 years old and adults are given an injection in the upper third of the shoulder - it is comfortably located and the entire volume of the drug is administered in one injection. It is impossible to inject a baby into the buttock - everyone here has a pronounced fat layer - the benefits of vaccination will be minimal. Large vessels and nerves are also located here - there is a great risk of injuring them.

After vaccination

Of course, the hepatitis vaccine has limitations that are important to be aware of. And to understand that there are natural reactions to the vaccine and side effects and not to mix one with the other, which often happens with restless parents. Permissible- redness or swelling (inflammation) will appear at the puncture site - this is normal when the size does not exceed 80 mm.

Perhaps the child is feverish, nauseous, there may be a single vomiting or neurological manifestations - it is not at all a fact that these are the consequences of vaccination. Weakened after the introduction of the vaccine, the body needs a little to catch the virus. But see a doctor immediately!

Contraindications

A specific contraindication is baker's yeast intolerance. General restrictions may be temperature or exacerbations existing diseases. Special limitation - significant prematurity and low birth weight - less than 1.5 kg. Then they wait until the child gets stronger and weighs more than 2 kg.

Often the vaccine is not given because neonatal jaundice is seen as a limitation. Not exactly the right approach. Jaundice is formed due to the breakdown of hemoglobin, in this process bilirubin is obtained, which gives the skin a special color. Vaccinating a newborn against hepatitis B will not be a burdensome job for the baby's liver.

It is also important to understand the difference between an immune-boosting vaccine and a birth injury. These are different things and an injection of a vaccine, or rather its absence, will not help the baby to quickly overcome the consequences of childbirth.

Be sure to monitor the response to the vaccine and before making a decision, you can brush up on the recommendations by re-reading the article about on our website.

Is vaccination required?

In our time, there are many people who refuse to vaccinate their children, which they used to do to all newborns. And because they put them all in the country there were no epidemics and pandemics of various infectious diseases. If you wish, you will find many blogs and articles with recommendations not to vaccinate in principle.

It is your right not to do them, and remember that this right and your peace of mind when using it is given precisely by the fact that vaccinations were given to everyone and the disease was thus defeated.

Of course, everything must be approached carefully and without fanaticism. Make the decision for you. And we really wish you to be sure to the end and never reproach yourself for having once refused a chance for protection.

May all children be healthy and loved!!!