Why Vaccinate?
- Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily attacks the liver and can lead to serious long-term consequences — including chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Many infected people show no obvious symptoms early on, so they often don’t realize they are carriers and can transmit the virus unknowingly.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection. The currently available vaccines are safe, effective, and affordable — offering protection in more than 95 % of healthy infants, children, and young adults.
- Because hepatitis B is highly infectious — even small amounts of contaminated blood or body fluids can cause infection — relying solely on behavior change or avoidance is risky. Vaccination offers a robust layer of protection.
- Over time, widespread vaccination helps reduce the overall burden of disease in a community, lowering transmission rates and preventing new chronic infections.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Virtually everyone stands to benefit from vaccination, but here are key groups:
- All newborns and infants
- The World Health Organization recommends that every newborn receive a first dose of hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth (ideally within 24 hours).
- This is followed by additional doses to complete the primary series during infancy.
- Children and adolescents (unvaccinated ones)
- Any child or adolescent who has not been previously vaccinated should receive the hepatitis B vaccine.
- Adults (especially those at risk)
- Many guidelines (e.g. CDC) now recommend vaccination for all adults up to a certain age (e.g. 19–59 years) who have never been vaccinated.
- Adults aged 60 or older should also be vaccinated if they have risk factors for exposure (or even if they simply want protection) depending on local policy.
- High-risk groups (regardless of age)
Some people have elevated risk of encountering HBV exposure or complications, and vaccination is especially important for them. These include:
- Health care workers, laboratory staff, first responders (anyone exposed to blood or bodily fluids).
- Household or sexual contacts of someone with chronic hepatitis B infection.
- People who have multiple sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted infections, or who share needles/injection equipment.
- Persons with chronic liver disease, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions.
- Individuals traveling to or from regions with high hepatitis B prevalence.
- People with diabetes (in some guidelines) or people on hemodialysis.
Call to Action!
Visit the Erama Medical Center this Monday, 13th October, 2025 to get vaccinated. Educate a family member, a friend, spouse, student, and your community about Hepatitis B vaccination.
Location: Erama Medical Center, Sakumono Broadway Street.
Contact: 0202500171
