by D. P. Noe

Created on: January 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 11, 2010

The hepatitis vaccine that is currently in use is synthetic and it does not contain any blood products as part of its ingredients. The most frequent question that most people ask is if you can get hepatitis B from receiving the vaccine. The answer to that question is no.. It is recommended for infants and children up to the age of 18. If you are an adult with risks factors, you also should receive this vaccine..

If you have a allergy to yeast, you will be advised not to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine is considered safe and has not been associated with any types of disorders like sudden infant death syndrome or autism.

The hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with blood and body fluids of an infected person. There are several ways to become infected. About 1/3 of individuals infected with hepatitis B in the United States are not aware that they have the disease. Examples of ways to contract hepatitis are:

* men who have sex with other men

* Dialysis patients because of the frequent exposure to blood products

* Individuals living in group homes

* sexually active adults and adolescents.

* traveling to a foreign country where hepatitis is known

* Any health care professional or Emergency personnel.

Hepatitis B is a serious disease. in the short term you may see loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. Your skin may have a yellow tinge to it, which is known as jaundice. In the long term it may develop into a chronic condition that leads to liver damage known as cirrhosis. It can also lead to liver cancer and or death.

Individuals should receive 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine according to the schedule given them by their doctor. The exception to the three doses are adolescents age 11 to 15 years. Sometimes they may be given only 2 doses spread 4 to 6 months apart. It is also recommended that individuals who are moderately or severely ill when scheduled to receive a hepatitis B vaccine should be told to recover first.

The chances of the hepatitis B vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction or serious harm is relatively small. The vaccine is much safer than the disease. A mild reaction of soreness at the injection site or a mild or moderate fever may occur. A serious allergic reaction would be difficulty with breathing, wheezing in the lungs, hives, a elevated heart rate and dizziness. If a serious reaction were to occur, get to the ER or a doctor right away.

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