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Australian Prescriber Vol. 21 No. 3 1998
Hepatitis B: issues in laboratory diagnosis and vaccination
Hepatitis B is a preventable disease which affects about 1% of Australians. It is more common in some ethnic groups and certain jobs expose workers to increased risks of infection. The hepatitis B virus is spread by coming into contact with blood or other body fluids. If someone gets infected, it may take 3 months to develop symptoms, such as jaundice. Recovery takes many weeks, but sometimes the body cannot fight off the virus completely. These people can become carriers of the virus. They are at risk of having liver problems later in life and may spread the infection to others unknowingly. Doctors can use blood tests to determine whether or not people have had an infection or are possible carriers.
The National Health and Medical Research Council has recommended that, in future, all children should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. The vaccination campaign will start with children aged 10-16 years. The course of vaccinations is 3 injections over 6 months. Adverse effects are uncommon; the most common complaint is soreness where the injection was given. People who are at high risk of hepatitis B infection, e.g. health workers, may also be vaccinated.
