Hepatitis B vaccine helps protect against hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
Hepatitis B vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle, usually into the muscles of the upper arm).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The total number of injections you will receive will be decided by your doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Hepatitis B vaccine.
If you miss an appointment or an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Hepatitis B vaccine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- conditions causing a weak immune system e.g. cancer
- bleeding disorders
- kidney disease
- moderate or severe illness (with or without fever)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hepatitis B vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, muscle pain, fever, and pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
Brief fainting spells that may result in falling and injury may occur after vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by falls.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes following vaccination, inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders
- blood-thinning medicines
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Hepatitis B vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Hepatitis B vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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