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This page provides a brief summary of the disease and the vaccine that is available to prevent it. Links to more detailed information are provided at the bottom of the page.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral disease that attacks the liver and may cause jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). In most people the virus clears up within 6 months and they become immune. But some people (about one in ten of those who get Hepatitis B as an adult) remain infectious and may go on to develop cirrhosis or cancer of the liver over a period of years. Follow up is important to detect early changes and treat when necessary.
Hepatitis B is preventable by using a safe and effective vaccine.
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Who is most at risk of getting Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus which has been found in many body fluids, e.g. sweat, tears, saliva, semen and vaginal secretions but infected blood is the most common way that the virus is transmitted from one person to another. This is why some groups are at a higher risk of catching the disease, e.g.
- babies born to infected mothers,
- intravenous drug users,
- household contacts and sexual partners of infected people,
- people who change sexual partners,
- men who have sex with men
- Health Care Professionals,
- Gardaí and Rescue Service personnel,
- People with a learning disability who attend an institution.
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What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Some people who have acute Hepatitis B have no symptoms at all and others may have a severe illness that requires hospitalisation.
Symptoms that may occur include
- Jaundice (Yellow skin and eyes),
- Itchy skin,
- Fatigue and tiredness,
- Poor appetite and weight loss,
- Diarrhoea or Vomiting,
- Joint pains
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What is the incubation period for Hepatitis B?
Illness may develop 2 to 6 months after exposure, usually within 2-3 months. The virus may be found before symptoms appear and may persist for several months.
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How does Hepatitis B illness develop?
Some people may not clear the virus from their system and become chronic carriers for life with an ongoing risk of infecting others. Less than 10% of those infected as adults and approximately 90% of those infected in infancy will go on to develop a chronic form of the disease.
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How serious is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B can cause long term infection that leads to liver disease. This can lead to death from liver cancer or cirrhosis. About 1 in 3 chronic carriers will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Hepatitis B is particularly likely to cause long term infection in babies and children.
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How can Hepatitis B be prevented?
Hepatitis B vaccine is given as part of the 6 in 1 vaccine. The 6 in 1 vaccine protects against Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Hib, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio and Tetanus. This vaccine is given at 2, 4 and 6 months as part of the primary childhood immunisation programme. More information about the 6 in 1 vaccine is available from the following link, you will also find translations of this information in the following languages Irish, French, German, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian and Russian at this link.
Vaccination is also recommended for people in at risk groups. More information about these groups is available from the following link.
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Is Hepatitis B vaccine safe?
Hepatitis B vaccine is very safe. The commonest reactions are soreness and redness at the infection site.
Very occasionally fever, rash, and flu-like symptoms may occur.
If the person intending to be vaccinated is pregnant or thinks they may be pregnant, it is advisable to discuss this with your family doctor before availing of the vaccination.
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Where can I find out more?
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